Manchester City delay Toure departures for Africa Cup of Nations

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By Declan Warrington

December 13 – Manchester City have agreed a deal to delay Yaya and Kolo Toure’s release for international duty with Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations in order for him to participate in fixtures against Manchester United and Liverpool.

The possibility remains that both could still miss a month of City’s bid to win the Premier League title, something midfielder Yaya has admitted to feeling “guilty and confused” about, but means they will at least be available for their FA Cup third-round tie against United on January 8, and the first of two Carling Cup semi-finals, against Liverpool, on January 11.

The Africa Cup of Nations, in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, begins on January 21, but City’s relative success in damage limitation is a result of persuading Ivory Coast not to exercise their right, a FIFA rule, that means a country can call-up a player two weeks before the start of a competition.

While Kolo’s future has been the subject of speculation at City, Yaya has admitted he is torn by the prospect of abandoning his club.

“Our country needs people like myself and Didier Drogba because there is a war and it’s important we do what we can for our people, but this is also a crucial time of the season,” he said.

“There are two crucial months coming up and now I am going to miss one of them. The team, the club and the manager need me, but I will have to go away and play in a different competition.

“It’s difficult as I am very focused for City and we need all the players. I have to go because my country is going through some difficult things, but I am a little bit guilty and confused about it.

“My loyalties are divided and I do feel a little bit sad.

“But City will cope.

“We have fantastic players who can take my place, such as Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry, while Owen Hargreaves is also working very hard to come back.”

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