Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been told he should not retire from international football.

The 32 year old, asked to miss this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Sierra Leone, suggesting he may decide to focus on his club career.

But former manager Francois Zahoui is eager for Toure to continue as captain.

"I hope he really thinks about this because the country really relies on his talent," said the 53-year-old.

"He should continue because all the great players - whether it's Pele, Maradona, Platini or Zidane - played for their countries until the end of their careers, trying to win trophies," added Zahoui.

"Yaya is still young, he's still enormously talented. Of course it's up to him, but if I had advice for him it would be to say do your maximum to bring as many trophies as you can to Ivory Coast, because he has the talent to do that."