Manchester City's latest signing, defender Kolo Toure, has admitted it was tough to leave Arsenal.

The Ivory Coast international signed a four-year deal with City after spending eight years as a Gunner and although he was sad to leave Emirates Stadium, is looking forward to a new challenge.

"It is always difficult to leave a place where you have spent the last eight years and had good times but I felt the time was right for a new challenge and I am still at an age, 28, where I feel I am at my peak and will play my best football," Toure told City's official website.

"For me it was time to move but only for the right club and I feel that Manchester City is that club. The ambition here is clear to see and is big. Everyone knows this club is moving and that is really, really important.

"I still want to achieve things and I feel as though I can bring something to City and that is what I will be striving to do. It is not just about quality on the pitch it is about blending as a team and with my experience I think I can help City do just that."