Four-time African footballer of the year Yaya Toure of the
Ivory Coast announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old Manchester City midfielder – capped 102
times including appearances at three World Cup finals – said it had been an
incredibly difficult decision.
"Writing this note was probably 'the most difficult
match of my life'," wrote Toure, who faces a pretty light season as he is
out of favour at Manchester City.
"After 14 years at the highest level, I'm sure this is
the right time for me! The fact that I am 33 now, the intensity of training and
the multitude of games are not the reasons why I am making this decision."
Toure, part of the golden generation of Ivory Coast players
such as Didier Drogba, his brother Kolo Toure and Gervinho, said for all his
success at club level, including a Champions League with Barcelona in 2009, it
was finally winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 – their first since 1992
– that remained his most precious memory.
Toure, who made his Ivory Coast debut in 2004, captained the
victorious 'Elephants' side having replaced Drogba as skipper when the latter
finally called it a day at international level after the 2014 World Cup.
"I would like to say solemnly that I am
stopping!!!" said Toure, who had appeared in two losing Africa Cup of
Nations finals sides.
"It's true that I had several titles at clubs, national
cups, league trophies.
"I played in Belgium, Ukraine, Greece, France and in
Spain where I was able to win the prestigious Champions League with Barca in
2009 and also in England, where I continue to play.
"With the Elephants, it was even more special. I
learned to win for my country. That's why I will always retain the pride in
having achieved four African Golden Balls for the Ivory Coast."
His international career, though, has been marked by
personal tragedy too with his mother dying on the cusp of an important junior
final in 2003 and then it struck again at the 2014 World Cup ahead of a crucial
group game with Colombia.
"I was told of the death of my younger brother, Ibrahim
(aged 28 of cancer)," he said.
"Once again on the eve of an important
match. This time it was against Colombia in the second game of the group stages
and we had to win. I still have the bruised heart. These are moments that have
been difficult for me."
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