Toure happy at Barca

Ivory Coast midfielder admits speaking to Wenger

By Francisco Acedo & Lucas Brown   Last updated: 2nd December 2008

Toure happy at Barca

Toure: Not planning to leave

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Yaya Toure claims he spoke to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in the summer, but insists he is happy at Barcelona.

The Ivory Coast midfielder has been strongly tipped to join his brother Kolo at Arsenal, having reportedly been a long-term target of the Premier League club.

Reports have claimed that Wenger tried to sign Toure before the start of the new season and, though he admits talking to the Gunners boss, he says there was never an offer to move to Emirates Stadium.

Toure told skysports.com: "Reports say that Arsenal is interested in me and I rejected a move last summer, but I never knew about that.

"I have spoken with Arsene Wenger in the summer, but I have not received a call in the last months."

Delighted

Renewed speculation has claimed Wenger will try to sign Toure in January, but the 25-year-old is not planning to leave the Primera Liga leaders.

He told a press conference: "I am here because I like this team and it is a great club. I will be staying here because I am delighted with the side and because we are playing some great football.

"Every year the club signs players of great quality and for me that is important because when a team wants to win titles and the Champions League that is what you have to do.

"We have a squad with some incredible players in it and I am enjoying myself here, the team is doing well and I think we can win things."

Barcelona have not won a major trophy for two seasons, but Toure believes that this term could see that change and he wants to remain part of Pep Guardiola's plans.

Coach's faith

"The team is playing very well because the coach is from within the club. Everything is working very well and I am happy this year and really believe we can win the league," he continued.

"I am here to play. Things are great and the coach has faith in me and for me that is the most important thing."

Toure then reflected on Cristiano Ronaldo's success in the Ballon d'Or and, while praising the Manchester United forward, he said that team-mate Lionel Messi was his favourite player.

"He is a great player and had a great season in the Premier League and his achievements in the Champions League were incredible," he explained.

"But for me, Messi is the best. He is my team-mate and I hope that next year he will win it."