YAYA TOURE has confirmed he has taken over the role of coach at Ukrainian top-flight side Olympic Donetsk – before admitting his decision left his agent in shock.
The Manchester City legend, 37, retired from football a little over a year ago after playing his final game for Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai.
Yaya Toure has confirmed he has taken on the role of coach at Ukrainian side Olympic DonetskCredit: Twitter
Early on in his career, Toure played for now-defunct Metalurh Donetsk in the same city.
And now the Ivorian has revealed he decided to kick-off his career in coaching in Donetsk thanks to his love of the city – and desire to learn his trade out of the spotlight.
Toure wrote: “It’s great to back in the Ukraine to continue by coaching journey!
“Thank you to Olympic Donetsk for the wonderful welcome.
“I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge, helping the team and also continuing my learning here.”
Toure also went on to thank those that have helped him obtain his coaching badges in the past year.
In a separate tweet, he added: “I would like to also say thanks again to those who have helped me over the last year with building my coaching experience and qualifications.
“Chris Ramsey at QPR, Stuart Jones at Blackburn and Geoff Lomax at [the] PFA – thank you all. I’m excited about the future”
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Toure played for now-defunct Metalurh Donetsk between 2003 and 2005, with his love of the city playing a huge part in his shock decisionCredit: Twitter
Toure then explained his decision in an interview with Olympic Donetsk, revealing even his agent was baffled by the decision.
The Ivorian said: “I started my professional career in Donetsk. Now I am here to start my coaching path.
“Of course, I understand that Olimpik is not Metallurg, but I remember well how friendly and open people were in Donetsk.
“I am very impressed by the local mentality.
“To be honest, even my agent was surprised when he found out that I wanted to study to be a coach in Ukraine, but I was firm in my decision.
“It is not so easy to find a place where you can calmly, without unnecessary pressure, study, where you will be accepted as a friend.”
Yaya Toure won three Premier League titles as a player with Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Toure continued: “I am glad that Olimpica’s coach went to the meeting and allowed me to join his team.
“I am sure I can learn a lot from him, both tactically and in terms of preparation.
“At the same time, I am sure that I myself can be useful for Olympic footballers, as a professional and senior friend.
“I am enthusiastic to work and motivated to learn to grow into a good coach.”
Olympic Donetsk are currently seventh in the 14-team Ukrainian Premier League.
And Toure has plenty of experience with winning silverware.
The midfielder got his hands on three Premier League crowns while at Man City, to go with two LaLiga titles and one Champions League at Barcelona.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
