Ivorians react to Yaya Toures retirement announcement

Soccer fans in Abidjan give their thoughts on Wednesday (September 21) about the retirement from international soccer of Ivory Coast international and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.

Toure captained Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2015, and made 102 appearances in 14 years for Les Elephants.

“After 14 years playing for Les Elephants I have decided to end my adventure playing for the Ivory Coast,” declared Toure, in a statement released on Tuesday.

“Some decisions are difficult to take but it is time to pass things on to other players.

“I thank all my supporters and my fans.”

“Yaya Toure has his reason, and he served the nation loyally, but I do not think that his retirement has come at the right time. He should have waited until after the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to thank all Ivorians and humbly retire. But today, it is with regret that we learn of this news, and I wonder if a succession will be assured because he was a valiant fighter and an honest citizen with many services rendered to this country. We must say thank you and award him full honours before the Ivorian nation,” said Florien Konan.

While some wished Toure well, others such as Diaby Vakaba said there must be other reasons for his retirement.

“We are not okay with the fact that he has just retired. Why is he so abruptly retiring at the age of 33? Didier Drogba also retired and then came back to play. In Yaya Toure’s case, something isn’t right. We, his fans and supporters in Ivory Coast, need to be explained the real reason,” he said.

Toure has been frozen out of the Manchester City side after his agent made public remarks critical of coach Pep Guardiola’s managerial choices after the Spaniard left Toure out of his squad for the Champions League.