MANCHESTER CITY MIDFIELDER Yaya Toure has criticised the club for not allowing him compassionate leave to be with his younger brother Ibrahim, who died late last week after a battle with cancer.
Writing in his regular World Cup column for France Football, the Ivorian said:
City didn’t want to give me these few days (off). I went to celebrate winning the title in Abu Dhabi when my little brother was dying in his bed.”
The club’s trip the Middle East was overshadowed by the behaviour of Toure’s agent, Dimitry Seluk, who claimed that the 31 year-old had been ‘disrespected’ after being ignored by the club’s owners upon arrival in the UAE, despite it being his birthday.
Inevitably, Seluk’s comments were seen as embarrassing while Toure was portrayed as a stereotypical spoiled footballer, especially when taking to Twitter to support his agent. But he did confirm he’d make a statement on the matter and it’s now arrived in the form of his latest column.
Later in the piece, he admits to not having pushed hard enough to be granted some compassionate leave but is still critical of the lack of awareness of those in positions of power at Manchester City.
I was annoyed with myself for not insisting. For not having made them respect me. However my directors knew that I was suffering for a few months watching the health of my brother decline. Obviously I’m going to try and get to the next round of the World Cup for him”
Ivory Coast play their final Group C match later tonight against Greece and a win will guarantee their place in the knock-out stage.
