• Premier League

Toure resigned to Manchester City exit

ESPN staff
April 25, 2013
Kolo Toure is seeking pastures new © PA Photos
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Kolo Toure says he wants to continue playing England, but has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at season's end.

Toure joined City from Arsenal in 2009, playing a key role initially before seeing his game time significantly cut under manager Roberto Mancini in recent years.

The Ivorian says the club have made no contact regarding an extension of his deal - which expires this summer - leaving him no choice but to look elsewhere in England.

"I have been here for nearly four years, and two fantastic years when I have been playing a lot and I hear my songs with Yaya and I will miss those things. For me my family is here, my kids are at school and they like the area - but in two months nothing has come from the club and I am thinking about my future definitely," Toure told Sky Sports News.

"My first choice is this country, as I like English football - that is why I began playing football. After Ivory Coast I came here, I don't know any other culture and it is important for me to stay here, I have been here for ten years."

Toure believes Manchester United deserved to reclaim the Premier League title from City, citing his side's lack of desire as the difference between the two rivals.

"They have been more consistent, more concentrated and I think we lost a bit of motivation and determination and that cost us the title," he said.

"I think City need to start from the first game to the end of the season and try and be focused, like we were last season - every game, as the Premier League is so hard, you can beat Chelsea and then lose against Wigan and those games are key."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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