• Premier League

Toure: City are the team to beat

Yaya Toure has targeted the Champions League this season © Getty Images

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Yaya Toure claims Manchester City "are the team to beat" this season after again insisting he never wanted to leave the club.

Toure was one of the standout performers last season, scoring 24 goals and contributing 12 assists in 49 appearances as City won the Premier League title and Capital One Cup.

"We know we are the team to beat," Toure said. "This year will be amazing because I'm expecting something - I'm expecting trophies this year.

"This year is going to be fantastic. We've got some fantastic players coming in and important players are staying. If you want to be the best you need to win every trophy possible."

Manchester City have signed Bacary Sagna, Fernando and Willy Caballero and are close to sealing a deal for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala but Toure hopes the club can continue to add to the squad before the new season.

"I hope a couple of players sign because we need to try to build a massive club," Toure said. "We are looking for the Champions League - that is an important title this year and the Premier League is going to be a battle as well between Chelsea, [Manchester] United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool too."

Toure has endured a turbulent summer, threatening to quit City after friction over his birthday celebrations and time spent with his brother Ibrahim when he was dying, but now he hopes to regain the fans support with another trophy-laden season.

"The matter is closed now," said Toure. "The most important thing was to try to focus again. Now I'm very happy to join the team and the manager. Everyone is very positive.

"It was not a case of me wanting to leave the club. I stayed quiet and at the end of the day it's my decision. I will stay at Manchester City for as long as possible."

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