Manchester City powerhouse Yaya Toure gave his side a massive boost ahead of Monday’s derby showdown after committing his future to the club for the next four years.
An integral cog in City’s midfield, the Ivorian international dispelled any exit rumours as he put pen to paper on a deal keeping him at the Etihad until 2017.
Praising the support he had received by fans and owners alike, a delighted Toure indicated he wanted to see out the rest of his distinguished career at Eastlands.
“This is where I want to be,” he told the club’s official website.
“This is an incredible club to be part of with fans that support a team to the end whatever the circumstances.
“I will never forget how I have been treated here by the fans, the club and the owners and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to finish my career as a Manchester City player.”
Arriving in Manchester from Barcelona for a reported £24m in 2010, the reigning African player of the year has become a firm fans’ favourite.
After scoring the winning goal to help his side lift the 2011 FA Cup final, he also played a pivotal role in the Blues claiming their first title in 44 years last May.
But despite the success thus far, Toure has his eyes on etching his name into the record books even more over the coming years.
He added: “When I first arrived at City every time I went to sleep I would dream about us winning something. Now it is about us being the best team in whatever competition we take part in.
“I want to continue winning titles and trophies and continue to make history.
“I have enjoyed all of my time here and can’t wait for the next chapter.”
The box-to-box midfielder – who missed a period of the season to play in the Africa Cup of Nations – has scored eight goals this season in 33 appearances.
But having failed as a team in Europe and in the league, he urged his teammates to secure a successful season’s end and build momentum for next year.
“Of course now it looks likely that we will not successfully defend the Premier League title and that is sad for all of us,” he said.
“But we can still finish second and win the FA Cup for a second time in three years and that is still an achievement for a club that won nothing for a long time.
“We must try to finish on a high note and then start preparing to win more next season.
“You have to use your skill, intelligence and strength to constantly improve and that is what we at City intend to do.”
Image courtesy of MCFCOfficial, via YouTube with thanks
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