Yaya retires from international football

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Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast during the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations football match between Ivory Coast and Togo at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on January 22, 2013©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has announced his retirement from international football after playing 14-years for Ivory Coast.

The 33-year-old decided to end a 14-year career playing for Ivory Coast as he battles to regain his place at the Etihad Stadium, reports the Sun.

Toure has revealed that it was a difficult decision to retired from international football but feel that it was the right choice.

‘After 14 years playing for Les Elephants, I have decided to end my adventure playing for the Ivory Coast,’ Toure said.

‘Some decisions are difficult to take but it is time to pass things on to other players.

‘I thank all my supporters and my fans.’

The Ivorian midfielder is currently trying to force his way back into the City first team after being overlooked by new manager Pep Guardiola.

Toure has been left out of City’s Champions League squad this season as Guardiola opted to go for players with more industry.

However, Toure is back in training with the first team squad and is expected to be given a chance when City take on Swansea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Toure has made 102 appearances for Les Elephants scoring 19 goals and last captained the country to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory since 1992.

Image: Caf website