TOURE SET FOR RETURN

Ivory Coast will have the services of Yaya Toure pretty soon.  The veteran playmaker has decided to make his way back to international soccer.

Toure had last appeared for Ivory Coast in this year’s AFCON where he had led the team in a successful campaign.  After that, he had said he wanted to be away from national duty for some time.  There were reports from his close sources that he was considering retirement as well.

But, it seems he has come to the conclusion that he should serve the Elephants for a bit more time and he has made himself available to be picked again.

Speaking in a talk show in England, Toure said, “When we won at the start of the year, it was the perfect time for me to take the break that I needed. I had been playing non-stop at the club level and also, for the country and it does put its effects on you. I had started to feel that. So, I thought a bit of time away would be helpful for the body. However, I am ready to get back into Ivory Coast line up now and excited about it.”

Without Toure, Ivory Coast had not had a great start to their AFCON 2017 qualifying campaign as they had been stopped on a goalless draw by Sierra Leone in their first match in Group I.

However, now with the availability of Toure, they can hope for a better result in the Sudan game which is to be played in March next year.

Sudan is holding the top position in Group I standings at the moment having won the only game that they have played.  Ivory Coast is second, while, Sierra Leone is at the bottom.