“He was cruel to me. I came to wonder if it was not because of my colour.”
Yaya Toure has claimed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola “often has problems with Africans,” after the Ivorian left the The Etihad at the end of the season.
Toure established himself as one of the club’s all-time greats during his eight-year spell with City but found his playing time limited under Guardiola. During the last campaign, the 35-year-old only started one game in the Premier League.
In an interview given to France Football, Toure said that he wanted to “break the myth” about Guardiola, who he also played under while at Barcelona. He also described his former manager as “jealous”.
“Maybe we Africans are not always treated by some in the same way as others,” Toure said.
“I do not know why but I have the impression that he was jealous, he took me for a rival. As if I made him a little shade.
“He was cruel to me. I came to wonder if it was not because of my colour.
“I am not the first to talk about these differences in treatment. In Barca, some have also asked the question.
“When we realise he often has problems with Africans wherever he goes, I ask myself questions.
“I want to be the one who breaks the myth of Guardiola.”
Toure’s only league start came in City’s final home match against Brighton in of their title-winning season. Prior to that game, Guardiola paid tribute to the contribution he had made during his time with the club:
“Yaya came here at the start of the journey,” he said. “Where we are now is because of what he has done.
“The Brighton game we will give him what he deserves, one of the most beautiful farewells a player can receive.”
