Yaya Toure has confirmed he was close to moving to Italy several times in the past, while he has not ruled out playing in Serie A in future as he readies himself to savour the “spectacular” atmosphere of Napoli’s Stadio San Paolo with Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“There were several contacts with Italian football in the past, but then I followed different, important paths like Barcelona and Manchester City,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, adding that for the future “you never say never in life.”
“The thing that struck me the most was the crowd,” he said. “They are really passionate, spectacular supporters.
The San Paolo is a stadium which doesn’t leave you indifferent, even as an opponent. Support like that of the Napoli fans gives extra strength to their team.
“I’m not afraid as a City player, but I am concerned by the lift they give to the home team. In moments of difficulty, fans like Napoli’s can be decisive.”
Toure also expects a different outcome to that game, adding that City have matured a lot in the past six years.
“That was our return to the Champions League after a lifetime,” he said. “It was the beginning of a long march which led to us winning the Premier League title and playing in Europe’s biggest club competition with continuity.
“I’ve been with City since 2010 and it’s been an honour for me to experience and participate in this part of history.”
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