Toure was a surprise starter in Pep Guardiola’s line-up but scored twice as City beat Palace 2-1 away from home to stay in touch with the league leaders.
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Nov 20- Yaya Toure says he was ‘mentally’ ready to play when he made a successful return to the Manchester City side as they beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
Toure was a surprise starter in Pep Guardiola’s line-up but scored twice as City beat Palace 2-1 away from home to stay in touch with the league leaders.
The 33-year-old Toure, who has won every domestic trophy with the Citizens, appeared to be frozen out at the Etihad after his agent, Dimitri Seluk, had a public spat with Guardiola after Toure was left out of City’s Champions League squad.
The Manchester City manager made it clear that Toure would only play in his team if his agent apologised but Seluk refused.
However, Toure took it upon himself to issue an apology but was still a shock pick for the game at Selhurst Park. The former Barcelona player also thanked his teammates, who clapped him back into the dressing-room after the final whistle.
Toure said after the game: “I was prepared mentally and I knew that one day my manager would need me. I was delighted to play and I am very happy to be playing football.”
“My team-mates are very important to me. They have always been brilliant with me, always supportive. I always want to be there to help them. I am professional, I always want to improve my game.”
