Yaya Toure is not a free agent anymore. The 35-year-old reached an agreement to join his former club Olympiacos, rejecting offers from various clubs across the globe.
This news comes as somewhat of a surprise considering Toure’s agent announced that he passed his medical in London just a couple of days back. Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham was thought to be the team on the verge of signing the Ivory Coast international but obviously, it didn’t pan out like so.
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Instead, Yaya Toure joins Olympiacos, a team whose colours he represented back in 2005/06. Then, he helped Olympiacos to a domestic double before leaving after one season to play for Monaco. He went on to join Barcelona a year later and finally moved to Manchester City in 2010 where he won the Premier League three times.
Olympiacos fans welcome Yaya Toure
Flares were lit by the overjoyed Greek fans, who made sure one of the best African players of all time felt welcomed in Athens.
“It is an honour to be back at Olympiacos,”
“When I left in 2006 I said I would come back and I am delighted to keep my word.”
“I had offers from lots of clubs across Europe, Asia and the USA. Ultimately, I made my decision based on the special relationship I have with this incredible club.”
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Olympiacos finished third in the Greek Super League last season behind PAOK and champions AEK Athens. Bringing in Yaya Toure should raise their level considerably, enough so that they should be able to reclaim the league title which stood still in the club’s trophy cabinet for seven years.
“I am as hungry for success now as I was when I first arrived here many years ago and I cannot wait to help the club win the trophies the great fans of Olympiakos deserve.”
“It is now time to let my football do the talking once again.”
The team from Piraeus booked a place in the Europa League group stage as well, where Yaya Toure and his new teammates will take on AC Milan, Real Betis and Luxembourg debutant Dudelange.
