Toure snubbed United to play with his brother

Manchester City’s new signing Yaya Toure claims he rejected an offer from Manchester United because he wanted to hold out for the chance to play alongside his brother Kolo.

Toure ignored United’s attempt to sign him last year and opted to spend one more year at Barcelona in the hope that City would make a bid to take him to Eastlands, where Kolo Toure had just moved from Arsenal.

The Ivory Coast midfielder got his wish earlier this month as City agreed a 25 million pounds deal with Barca that will see Toure earn around 185,000 pounds a week – making him the highest paid player in the Premier League.

Yet Toure is adamant it was the opportunity to link up with his brother and not the cash that persuaded him to quit the Nou Camp for City, who failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.

“Last year Manchester United were interested in signing me. When I was talking about renewing my contract, United asked if I wanted to sign for them,” Toure said.

“United are a big club, one of the biggest in the world, but I chose City because they have not won anything for a long time. It’s a very nice feeling to come in and see everything changing.

“It’s an interesting challenge for me and I hope everything goes well. I saw a lot of things written about why I left but, for me, I wanted to play with my brother.

“That was very important for me. Now I’ve signed for City I’m very happy. Now my brother and I want to make great things happen at this club and I’m sure we’ll do it.

“My motivation is to do great things with City, to finish second or third maybe, to get into the Champions League.”