Yaya Toure has returned to Ukraine to become a part of the Olimpik Donetsk’s coaching crew 16 years after leaving the country to Greece.
Toure played in Ukraine for 2 years with the defunct Metalurh Donetsk before he joined Greek side Olympiacos for €2.70million. The Centre-midfielder moved up the ladder of European football when he joined Monaco in 2006 for a transfer fee worth €5.50million.
While in France, the retired Cote d’Ivoire football icon established himself as one of the most sought midfielders. The 5 goals he scored and the 7 assists he provided in 30 games for Monaco attracted the attention of FC Barcelona. The Spanish giants signed him for €9million in 2007.
Yaya Toure played for FC Barcelona for three years. Within the three years, he helped the club to win two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, one Supercopa de España, one Supercopa de España, one UEFA Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Before Toure left Barcelona in 2010, the former Ivory Coast football team captain, scored 6 goals and provided 8 assists in 118 games.
From Spain, he moved to England where he had the best of his football career in terms of his performance. Premier League side, Manchester City signed him from Barcelona for €30million.
Before he was frustrated out of the club in 2018 after the arrival of coach Pep Guardiola, Yaya Toure had scored 79 goals and provided 50 assists in 316 appearances. Hence, in 8 years, he became one of the most adored footballers at the Etihad stadium.
Besides his achievements which included winning Africa player of the year four successive times (2011-20015), the midfielder helped Manchester City to win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup title, two football league cup, and one FA Community Shield.
Before he officially retired from football as a player on January 1, 2020, he had short spells with Greek club Olympiacos in 2018 and with Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai in 2019.
The 37-year-old football icon took to his Twitter handle on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, to announce that he has returned to Ukraine as one of the coaching staff of Olimpik Donetsk.
It’s great to back in the Ukraine to continue by coaching journey! 🇺🇦
— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) February 10, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/aLNVHZuHcL
“I started my professional career in Donetsk – now I am here to start my coaching path,” Toure said on the club’s website.
“Of course I know that Olimpik is not Metalurh, but I remember well how friendly and open the people of Donetsk were. I am very impressed by the local people.
“To be honest, even my agent was surprised when he found out I wanted to learn to 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, and where you will be accepted as a friend.
“I am confident I can be useful for the Olimpik players, as a professional and a friend. To suggest something, share your knowledge and vision of football.”
