Yaya Touré confirms he has no intention of retiring yet and he’d ‘love to play in Italy, but also France or England. It’s not about money, it’s about football.’
The 37-year-old Ivorian is currently a free agent after his contract with Qingdao Huanghai expired in January and it was recently reported he had offered himself to Serie A newcomers Spezia.
Yaya Touré confirms he has no intention of retiring yet and he’d ‘love to play in Italy, but also France or England. It’s not about money, it’s about football.’
The 37-year-old Ivorian is currently a free agent after his contract with Qingdao Huanghai expired in January and it was recently reported he had offered himself to Serie A newcomers Spezia.
“My career won’t go on forever, but I know that I have another one or two seasons left in me,” he told Tuttomercatoweb.
“I didn’t realise how much I’d miss playing football. I miss the energy, the locker room, the team spirit and the feeling you get when you win games.
“I am studying to get my coaching badges, but I have a lifetime ahead of me to try that avenue. If I stop playing now, when I still feel in good shape, I’ll always regret it.”
What is the next step for the former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder?
“I’d like to play in Italy, as I’ve never played there before, but maybe also in France or England, where I have great memories. I’d be ready for any challenge Serie A puts in front of me.
“It’s not about money. This is about football. I want to play because I know that I can still play.”
Touré also confirms he had a close call with Italian football in the past.
“When Roberto Mancini was at Inter and I was playing for Manchester City, it’s true there was an approach, but then things went in another direction.”