Yaya Toure apologises to Man City and Pep Guardiola for ‘misunderstandings’

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure on Friday issued an apology to Manchester City for the ‘misunderstandings’ that have resulted in him being frozen out of Pep Guardiola’s team following statements made by his agent Dimitri Seluk.

The 33-year-old Ivorian was dropped by Guardiola who demanded that his agent offer an apology before he can be reconsidered for selection. 

Toure's agent, Dimitri Seluk, constantly criticized the Pep's decision to leave Toure out of City’s Champions League squad saying that Pep was "humiliating a great player" by benching him.

“I wish to apologise – on behalf of myself and those who represent me – to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past,” Yaya said in a statement.

“Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there.

“I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club.

“I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club’s history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans.”

Toure has only played just once this season, coming in the second leg of a Champions League playoff tie against Steaua Bucharest on August 16. 

During a press conference on Friday, City manager Pep Guardiola said he has accepted Toure's apology adding that he had spoken to Toure privately about the issue.

"I have spoken with Yaya today," Pep said. "Of course, it was a private conversation. I know what happened, what he said, of course.

"It's good news for Manchester City -- that's the most important thing -- and for Yaya, whom I appreciate. I have known him from a long time ago."

"Yaya is in all our meetings and all our training sessions. You know the situation, nothing has changed, Guardiola added.