Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has expressed his gratitude towards Yaya Toure for his performances this season.

Yaya Toure managed to play his way back into contention at Manchester City this season after initially being frozen out by Pep Guardiola and it has to be said that the Ivorian was one of the Citizens' better players throughout the course of the season.

With Toure's contract at City expiring soon, there is speculation that he will be leaving the club over the summer but nonetheless, Guardiola has lavished praise on the 34-year-old for his efforts this season.

When asked what he said to Toure as he was subbed off in City's 5-0 win over Watford on Sunday, Guardiola responded: "I said thank you to Yaya Toure. He has played amazing and especially when we were in trouble in games. It is not easy to find that. When the game is not good the big players have the personality to want the ball and play.

"Whatever we will say to the players about their future will be to them, not to you. I know the Premier League better now, I regret that we could not fight until the end. One or two opponents were stronger."