Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 10:05 IST, July 25th 2020

Yaya Toure trains with 4th-division Leyton Orient

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Tour trained Friday with fourth-division English club Leyton Orient

Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Tour trained Friday with fourth-division English club Leyton Orient.

The 37-year-old Tour  currently without a club  lives nearby and had reached out about training so he can stay in shape.

Advertisement

The club posted photos on social media of Tour in an Orient training jersey with comments such as League Two ain't ready. Tour, who helped Man City win three Premier League titles, said in an interview for the club's youtube channel that he's been stuck at home in London because of the coronavirus pandemic after helping Qingdao Huanghai win promotion to the Chinese first division.

When asked what's next  and that it's unlikely to be with Leyton Orient  Tour laughed and said, could be. I just want to enjoy it until the last minute because football for me is everything, said Tour, who also won a Champions League title with Barcelona. "They allowed me to train with the lads. The manager was fantastic. Everybody welcomed me here and I feel like I'm at home. Want to train and do it my best and maybe we'll see.

Advertisement

Tour, who competed in three World Cups for Ivory Coast, did some running and stretching Friday. He plans to return Monday and will increase his workload through the week.

Orient coach Ross Embleton told the club's website that we thought it was a joke when Tour's agent contacted them 10 days prior. They soon realized the request was the real deal. He said his squad can learn from Tour.

Advertisement

Any opportunity to get a player of his quality, one of the best in the world, is fantastic, Embleton said. 

He comes across as a really good character, and it will give our players a really good opportunity to learn from him in the experience. 

Advertisement

Image credits: AP

10:05 IST, July 25th 2020