Man City's Yaya Toure: I wish Balotelli was Ivorian

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure wishes teammate Mario Balotelli was from Ivory Coast.

Toure is a big fan of the Italian striker.

"If I could choose one City player to play for the Ivory Coast it would be Mario,” smiled Yaya.

“Whatever you hear about him is just newspaper stuff and I wish I had been as committed as him when I was his age.

“He is such a powerful guy and his concentration levels are unbelievable. He is young, so sometimes one or two things he does are maybe misunderstood but for me it is all part of his charm."

Join the conversation on

Tribalfootball Store

Manchester City 2011/12 Training Micro FleeceShirt Made by Umbro. Sponsor Etihad Airways. Colour Sky Blue

£24.99 Buy

Manchester City 2010/11 Home Replica Football Shirt Made by Umbro. Sponsor Etihad Airways Shirt Worn in the Fa Cup Final win over Stoke City. Colour Sky Blue/White

£10.99 Buy

Tottenham Hotspurs 1991 Fa Cup Retro Football Shirt Made by Score Draw Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker celebrate the 3-1 FA Cup Semi Final over Arsenal at Wembley.

£29.99 Buy

Mercurial Victory IC Football Indoor Court Trainers Nike Mercurial Victory Introducing the new Mercurial Victory, a lightweight and reliable choice for players who demand fast manoeuvring and quicker

£29.99 Buy

AdiNova IV TRX TF Football Trainers Made By Adidas Family: adiPURE How Attached To Upper: Cemented Insole Material: EVA foam Insole Removable: No Lacing: Central Outsole Material: Turf Grip Synthe

£29.99 Buy

Predator Absolado X TRX Turf Football Boots Made By Adidas football boot takes control of firm pitches with the unparalleled grip of TRAXION

£19.99 Buy

Manchester City 2011/12 Home Replica Football Shorts Made by Umbro. Brief Lined Tie Waist Cord. Colour Sky Blue/White

£9.99 Buy

Manchester City 2011/12 Training Football Shirt Made by Umbro. Colour Sky Blue

£14.99 Buy