Guardiola refutes Toure claims: It's a lie and he knows it
Yaya Toure's extraordinary criticism of Pep Guardiola has been met with a strong response from the Manchester City boss.
Pep Guardiola has rubbished claims from Yaya Toure suggesting he has had "problems with Africans", stating: "It's a lie and he knows it."
In an interview with France Football, Toure strongly criticised his former boss at Manchester City.
The veteran midfielder, who was handed a solitary Premier League start in the final season of a hugely successful eight-year stint at the Etihad Stadium, accused Guardiola of having "problems with Africans wherever he goes" and said he was treated as a rival.
City and Guardiola initially declined to comment on the quotes, but the latter has now made it clear he totally refutes Toure's comments.
"It's a lie and he knows it," Guardiola was quoted as saying by Marca in an interview with Catalan station TV3.
"We were together for two years and now this is when he says it. He never told me face to face."
Toure made his final appearance for City in a 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in May.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player