Yaya Touré

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré (born 13 May 1983) is an Ivorian professional football coach and former player who played as a midfielder. He is currently an assistant coach for the Saudi Arabia national team.

Quotes

• When players retire from football, some think they should carry on more but for me I was relieved and happy
• I started to love football in Bouake when I was younger," he explained. "My oldest brother, he loves football, and he was playing for a team on the street close to the community. After that, my other brother Kolo started playing and I followed his path.
• At that time there were so many boys, seven boys, I started to be dedicated because, for me, the ball was my breathing time."
• In the beginning it was tough because of the culture, the food, the acclimatisation - I needed to adapt
• Since I arrived there my head just clicked, I knew I needed to adapt. It took me six or seven months, but I do it.
• As a coach I am really proud to work for Spurs because the path they are giving to the African and Asian coaches, they have been doing it for ages, and it's brilliant. I respect that and I am fully grateful for that.
  • Yaya Toure on his quest for legendary status at Manchester City and more, Skysport,(1 October 2022)