Yaya Touré

Profile Football Stars | Yaya Touré | Touré joined ASEC Mimosas youth academy in 1996 on the recommendation of his long-time mentor Patrick van Reijendam. Touré then moved to Olympiacos in 2005.  After representing Côte d'Ivoire in the 2006 World Cup, Touré was signed by French Ligue 1 side Monaco in August 2006. He played at the Stade Louis II for one season before leaving for Barcelona. Touré joined Spanish side Barcelona for € 9 million and made his official debut for the club on 26 August 2007 during the league opener against Racing de Santander.

In the 2007 Joan Gamper Trophy match against Internazionale of Italy, Toure scored his first goal for Barcelona in a 5-0 victory. He scored his first official goal with Barcelona in a La Liga match against Athletic Club on 2 September 2007. In the 2009 Champions League Final, he played center back due to injuries and suspensions of first-choice defenders, Despite having only played there twice before for Barcelona. In late June 2010 Barcelona confirmed That Touré was allowed to leave the club in the summer.

On 2 July, Touré signed a five-year deal with Manchester City for a fee of around £ 24 million and was allocated squad number 42, the which is the reverse of the number 24 jersey he sported at Barcelona, since Patrick Vieira had That number already been allocated. The move Toure teamed up with his elder brother Kolo, who signed for City in July 2009. On 28 July, Touré made his debut for City in a pre-season friendly against Club América, the which City won 4-1 on Penalties after a 1-1 draw with the Mexican side.

The 2011-12 season began strongly as Manchester City lead the table for the majority of the season, with Touré playing a vital part in midfield.  On 3 January 2012, in a match against Liverpool, Toure scored City's second goal of the game, a 33rd minute header from a David Silva corner. On 5 January, it was Touré Announced That would be heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations and would miss City's FA Cup third round clash with Fierce rivals Manchester United.

Personal information
Full name Gnégnéri Yaya Touré
Date of birth 13 May 1983 (age 28)
Place of birth Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Playing position Midfielder

Club information
Current club Manchester City
Number 42

Youth career
ASEC Mimosas 1996-2001

Senior career
years Team
Beveren 2001-2003 70 (3)
Metalurh Donetsk 2003-2005 33 (3)
Olympiacos 2005-2006 26 (3)
2006-2007 Monaco 27 (5)
2007-2010 Barcelona 74 (4)
2010-Manchester City 60 (10)

National team
2004-Côte d'Ivoire 67 (10)

Honours

Club
ASEC Mimosas
     Côte d'Ivoire Premier Division: 2001

Olympiacos
     Super League Greece: 2005-06
     Greek Cup: 2005-06

Barcelona
     La Liga (2): 2008-09, 2009-10
     Copa del Rey: 2008-09
     Supercopa de España: 2009
     UEFA Champions League: 2008-09
     UEFA Super Cup: 2009
     FIFA Club World Cup: 2009

Manchester City
     FA Cup: 2010-11

Individual
     African Footballer of the Year: 2011
     PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2011-12