Sports
Ivorian icon, Yaya Toure, bags first coaching job in Ukraine
Ivory Coast and Manchester City icon, Yaya Toure, has been appointed as an assistant coach with Ukrainian club side, Olimpik Donetsk.
The former Barcelona man will join the staff under head coach Igor Klimovsky having previously played in Ukraine with the now-defunct Metalurh Donetsk between 2003 and 2005.
“I started my professional career in Donetsk – now I am here to start my coaching path,” Toure said on the club’s website.
“Of course I know that Olimpik is not Metalurh, but I remember well how friendly and open the people of Donetsk were. I am very impressed by the local people.”To be honest, even my agent was surprised when he found out I wanted to learn to coach in Ukraine, but I was firm in my decision.
It’s great to back in the Ukraine to continue by coaching journey! 🇺🇦
Thank you to Olympic Donetsk for the wonderful welcome.
I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge, helping the team and also continuing my learning here. pic.twitter.com/aLNVHZuHcL
— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) February 10, 2021
“It is not so easy to find a place where (you) can calmly, without unnecessary pressure, study, and where you will be accepted as a friend.”
“I am confident I can be useful for the Olimpik players, as a professional and a friend,” he said. “To suggest something, share your knowledge and vision of football.”
The 37-year-old who was recently pursuing his coaching qualifications in England after spending time with QPR and Blackburn, took to Twitter to thank the Championship sides.
“I would like to also say thanks again to those who have helped me over the last year with building my coaching experience and qualifications.
Chris Ramsey at QPR, Stuart Jones at Blackburn and Geoff Lomax at PFA – thank you all. I’m excited about the future.”
Toure won three Premier League titles with City and two La Liga with Spanish giants Barcelona.
He last played for Chinese Super League side, Qingdao Huanghai, before departing the club in January last year.
-
News24 hours ago
Two bodies recovered from submerged truck in US bridge collapse
-
Metro24 hours ago
Police neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue
-
Entertainment23 hours ago
Actress Eniola Ajao apologizes over Bobrisky’s best-dressed female saga
-
News21 hours ago
Military frees abducted Lagos editor Segun Olatunji
-
featured11 hours ago
Song lyrics are now simpler, angrier, more self-obsessed – Study
-
News13 hours ago
Easter: IGP assures police commitment to public safety
-
News12 hours ago
Tinubu appoints new chairman for code of conduct bureau
-
News13 hours ago
Nationwide blackout imminent as national grid collapses