Yaya Toure Rescues Manchester City

Pep Guardiola says he was delighted for Yaya Toure after he scored twice on his return for Manchester City in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Toure, 33, had been frozen out of the squad by Guardiola following comments made by his agent Dimitri Seluk aimed at the City boss.

The former Ivory Coast international apologised earlier this month and was called up for his first Premier League appearance of the season against Palace on Saturday, scoring a brace to secure the three points for his side.

“I’m so happy for Yaya Toure because he’s a really nice guy,” Guardiola told reporters. “His weight is perfect now and there are no doubts about his quality.

“His personality and his quality are there to see — he can play many positions. I’m so happy for him and his family. We now have one more man that can help us achieve our targets this season.

“The last two months he was amazing in the training sessions. He’s behaviour was absolutely perfect. His teammates love him. He’s another guy who will help us with the rotation in the team.”

Toure himself was thrilled to be back playing for City and thanked his teammates for their support.

“I was delighted to play, it was difficult for me,” Toure told BBC Sport. “I am very happy to be playing football, my teammates are very important to me. They have always been brilliant with me, always supportive. I always want to be there to help them.

“I am professional, I always want to improve my game. I was prepared mentally and I knew that one day my manager would need me. You must always stay professional. I have been lucky. Today was very tough. We know what we have to do to win this league, sometimes you have to fight.”

Toure’s only other appearance this season came in the Champions League playoff second leg against Steaua Bucharest on Aug. 24.

However, he was left out Guardiola’s squad for the group stage of the competition so is not eligible for Wednesday’s game at Borussia Monchengladbach.