Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure is physically fit and strong. His performance on field has led to his rise among the powerful midfielders. Reuters

Yaya Toure pledged his future with Manchester City amid speculations that he could be leaving the club following a rift with management months ago.

The Ivory Coast international midfielder claimed that he felt underappreciated after the Sky Blues hierarchy failed to acknowledge his birthday, as well as denying him the opportunity his then sick brother, Ibrahim.

However, the former Barcelona man apparently had a change of heart after regaining focus from a state of turmoil brought about by his brother's death.

"It was not a case of me wanting to leave the club. I stayed quiet, I believe that is the right way, and at the end of the day it's my decision," said the 31-year-old.

"I will stay at Man City for as long as possible."

"I'm feeling fine. It's good to start training again. It's been a difficult pre-season."

"Unfortunately it was a difficult summer for my family. When you lose a brother it is always difficult and he was young too. We were very sad, all the family. We need to move on and pray for him."

"He was my brother, he loved football. When he was sick in Manchester he was watching every game I was playing in. After them I was coming to see him in hospital. I think we need to try to move on and try to think about the next step."

For more football news, follow IBTimes Sport on Twitter.