Kolo Toure is desperate to stay in England, after revealing he will leave Manchester City when his contract runs out this summer.
The Ivorian defender moved to the Etihad Stadium from Arsenal in 2009 for £16million, but the club have not offered him an extension on his four-year deal.
And Toure revealed he will be looking to stay in the Premier League, after enjoying a decade on these shores.
“My first choice is this country, as I like English football,” the 32-year-old told Sky Sports News. “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 arrived at City as one of the best defenders in the league and featured heavily during his first year in the North West.
However, appearances have become more limited with each season and he has featured just 14 times this campaign.
The ex-Gunner will leave City with fond memories, but believes his footballing future is at the top of his priorities.
“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,” he said.
“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 joined in with the FA Cup celebrations in 2011 and City’s historic Premier League title triumph last year.
This season has been a disappointment in comparison, but the defender conceded Manchester United deserved to win the league.
“They have been more consistent, more concentrated and I think we lost a bit of motivation and determination and that cost us the title,” Toure added.
“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.”
Image courtesy of mcfc, via YouTube, with thanks.
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