TOURE GRABS BRACE IN CRYSTAL PALACE TRIUMPH

Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace over the weekend in a Premier League clash that saw manager Pep Guardiola shock everyone by recalling Yaya Toure to the team.

The retired Ivory Coast international was on exile from the senior City team after altercations between his representative and Guardiola. The game meant he ended his three-month exile from top-flight football, and he showed his capabilities with the two goals he got.

“I was prepared mentally and I knew that one day my manager would need me. I was delighted to play and I am very happy to be playing football,” Toure said after the game.

Only a few people knew that the 33-year old player was in the team that travelled to South London for the game. Toure apologized on behalf of his agent early this month but it remained unclear if Guardiola had forgiven him. After his five-star performance, the City fans chanted his name while his teammates clapped until he reached the dressing room.

“My teammates are very important to me. They have always been brilliant with me, always supportive. I always want to be there to help them. I am professional, I always want to improve my game,” he added.

Guardiola was impressed with the display of the player, and he said:

“The last month and a half, Yaya was amazing in training. His behaviour is absolutely everything. His teammates love him. He is going to help us to rotate the team.”

He admitted that he had doubts initially about the playmaker but that he would reconsider.

“His weight is perfect now, and there are no doubts about his quality. At the beginning, we did not count on him, he would not be here, but he can play many positions and we have one more man to help us achieve our targets,” Guardiola said.