Yaya Toure has contradicted his agent’s claims that he’s hung up his boots, despite having not played a single minute of football since November.
Toure, who will turn 36 years old on Monday, endured a disappointing two-month second spell at Olympiacos before leaving in November.
The Manchester City legend only made four appearances in Greece, with the last of them coming in a 28-minute cameo during a Europa League match against F91 Dudelange on November 8.
Despite being unable to find another club, Toure had revealed last month he had no immediate plans to retire and didn’t rule out a move to the United States, Middle East or even Asia.
But the Ivorian’s agent, Dimitri Seluk, then declared on Friday that he had “decided to end his career as a champion”.
However, Toure has denied these claims and assured fans that only he will announce when it’s time for him to call it a day.
âRetired? Never! I will still keep playing,” Toure told Sky Sports.
âThere have been so many rumours about my future in football but itâs time to make things clear.
âFootball is something I cannot describe, Iâve been playing since I was young, and I will continue playing football.
âWhen itâs time for me to retire I will do it officially myself. Nobody else will speak on my behalf.â
The four-time African Footballer of the Year has enjoyed a distinguished playing career following trophy-laden spells at Olympiacos, Barcelona and City.
In fact, it was at City where Toure truly made his mark in football as he adapted from a holding role into more of an attacking midfielder.
Toure managed 79 goals and 50 assists in 316 appearances in an eight-year stay at the Etihad Stadium, which ended last summer.
The former Barcelona star helped City win three Premier League titles and memorably scored the winner in their 2011 FA Cup final victory.
Toure also represented the Ivory Coast on 101 occasions, where he featured in three World Cups. He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.
