Yaya Youre thrilled by his Manchester City reprieve and eyes Champions League squad place

YAYA TOURE intends to make the most of his Manchester City reprieve by forcing his way into the Champions League squad.

The Ivorian midfielder looked to have played his last game for the club after falling foul of boss Pep Guardiola.

Reuters

But, after losing  more than 17lb and apologising for the conduct of his agent Dimitri Seluk, he is  firmly back in the frame.

Keep up to date with ALL the Manchester City news, gossip and transfers on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary

Toure, 33, could not repeat the heroics of his comeback game at Crystal Palace but he played his part in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Burnley.

Now he is predicting great things for the rest of City‘s season and believes he has a lot to offer between now and May.

Guardiola has until early February to decide on his squad for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Toure was asked if that was a target for him and he said: “Yes of course.  That’s why I stayed at City.

“It felt very good when I was recalled and I was content to play. The most important thing is to help the team.

Getty Images

PA:Press Association

Getty Images

“At any time the manager may need me because of the experience  I have — and because I know what he wants.”

Toure was sold by Guardiola during their time at Barcelona — and did not appear to fit into his plans at the Etihad.

However, despite their differences, Toure predicts exciting times under the Spaniard.

He said: “When the team gets all of his ideas we are going to be great.”