Tag Archives: yaya

Jackie Chan joins Manchester City in Beijing

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City Rush Hour: Martial arts hero Jackie Chan joins champions on tour of China

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UPDATED:

08:15 GMT, 26 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Aston Villa may have Tom Hanks but Manchester City can now boast martial arts hero Jackie Chan among their A-list celebrity fan base.

Roberto Mancini and his Barclays Premier League title winners presented the Rush Hour actor with a signed shirt printed with 'Champions 12' on the back.

City slickers: Actor Jackie Chan holds the title after the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Adam Johnson and Vincent Kompany greeted him in Beijing

City slickers: Actor Jackie Chan holds the title after the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Adam Johnson and Vincent Kompany greeted him in Beijing

Fan-tastic: Chan poses with his signed shirt from the champions

Fan-tastic: Chan poses with his signed shirt from the champions

Chan confessed follow the likes of Liam
Gallagher and Ricky Hatton and support the champions after lifting the
title aloft in Beijing, where City prepare to take on Arsenal on Friday
at the Bird's Nest Stadium.

'You can tell how much pain, blood and tears it has taken to lift the trophy,' said the 58-year-old movie favourite, who was greeted by the likes of captain Vincent Kompany, midfielder Yaya Toure and winger Adam Johnson.

'It really is something, 44 years [since last winning the league] is a long time.

'From now on, yes [I am a fan].

'When I was young, I was a fan of a football team.

'Sometimes I support Hong Kong, sometimes England, but from now on, because of my friends I will support Manchester City.'

Chan also hailed City for travelling to the Far East on their pre-season tour, hoping their presence will inspire a generation to take up the beautiful game.

'We want to thank Manchester City for coming to China.

'I believe there’s a billion fans and they have given us the chance to learn about football.

.I really hope the young children go and play because it is good for their health.'

Yaya Toure can"t believe Manchester City have been given a chance

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I can't believe United have given us hope in title race, admits City's midfield star Yaya Toure

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UPDATED:

17:01 GMT, 23 April 2012

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has admitted he can't believe his side have been given another chance to win the title.

Two poor results for Manchester United, a defeat at Wigan two weeks ago and draw at home to Everton on Sunday, has seen their lead cut from eight to three points.

And next Monday's Manchester derby is a virtual title decider.

Right back in the race: City won at Wolves on Sunday to close the gap on United

Right back in the race: City won at Wolves on Sunday to close the gap on United

Toure said: 'United’s result was amazing. It was an unbelievable day for us with United dropping points at home. For me, it was strange.

'We found out about it on the bus on the way to Wolves. It was quite unbelievable and we now have to try and take advantage.

'We did the first part by beating Wolves but we have to settle down and continue to work hard because United still have three points more than us.

'We have to play them at home and, if you look at the record of United, they are very strong away and it will be a very difficult test for us.

'I think this year the club need to win the cup (title) and it will be difficult.

'But we need to win this derby because it will be one of the most important games the club have had.'

City didn't cope with the pressure
very well when they were leading in the title race early in March,
dropping a number of points and letting United steal a march.

Toure is sure City's big players will ensure they cope better now.

'People say we looked nervous at stages of the game and we have a lot of young players and not so many experienced ones.

What's going on Manchester United's title hopes suffered a blow on Sunday

What's going on Manchester United's title hopes suffered a blow on Sunday

'When your big rivals drop points at home, and you have to win your game, it is quite difficult.

'But with the players we have, it can make the difference all of the time with the likes of Aguero, Tevez and Nasri, and we did the job.'

Toure also reminded fans of both clubs that the eventual destiny of the title doesn't only depend on events at the Etihad.

Manchester City travel Newcastle and host QPR after the derby, while Manchester United play Swansea at home, and then Sunderland away on the final day of the season.

'They are very difficult games to come,' Toure added on Sky. 'We have United, then Newcastle who are playing well at home.

'These games will be very tough until the end of the season, and QPR are playing well as well.

'But, with the team we have, if we win something this year it will be fantastic for us.'

Manchester City v Blackburn live

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PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Manchester City v Blackburn – all the action from the Etihad Stadium as it happens

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Premier League as Manchester City host Blackburn at the Etihad Stadium to conclude Saturday's action. The league leaders will hope to extend their winning run to 13 wins from as many home games but face a test against a Rovers side that have already won at rivals Manchester United this season. Email me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Manchester City 1-0 Blackburn (5.30pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany,
Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Toure Yaya, Silva, Aguero, Johnson,
Balotelli.
Subs: Pantilimon, Richards, Milner, Pizarro, Dzeko, Nasri,
Clichy.

Goals; Balotelli 30.

Blackburn: Robinson, Orr, Dann,
Hanley, Martin Olsson, Pedersen, Petrovic, Hoilett, Formica, Marcus
Olsson, Yakubu.
Subs: Bunn, Modeste, Nzonzi, Rochina, Goodwillie,
Vukcevic, Henley.

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)

Click here for the live Premier League table

40min: I feel sorry for Yakubu. He is a very isolated figure up front and not even getting scraps to feed off. Blackburn are under that much pressure.

38min: Very nearly 2-0.. Vincent Kompany's flick on from a corner is parried away by Robinson, but only into the radar of Yaya Toure.

The ball is slightly behind the midfielder, but his volley from four yards out should really be hitting the back of the net rather than sailing wide.

35min: But it's still all City as David Silva again forces Robinson to block from close range.

33min: Blackburn respond by going straight up the other end, which ends with them being denied a decent shout for a penalty by referee Mike Jones.

Replays show though that the referee calls it right as Nigel de Jong just wins the ball before bringing down Pedersen.

30min: GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 Blackburn

And my word it's been coming. City attack down the left and Aleksandar Kolarov's cross to the near post is expertly flicked into the far corner by Mario Balotelli.

The striker celebrates by lifting his shirt and revealing a message that says 'Raffaella Ti Amo' (Raffaella I love you.)

28min: BREAKING NEWS: Darren Bent has been ruled out of the England squad, after he was carried off on a stretcher in Aston Villa's 0-0 draw at Wigan today.

27min: Rovers finally get a rest, but only because Radosav Petrovic is down receiving treatment on the pitch. He seems to be complaining about his shoulder, but it looks like he should be able to continue though.

26min: Balotelli powerfully strikes it, but again Robinson parries clear. He is going to need a new pair of gloves at half-time.

25min: It's all one-way traffic as now City win a free-kick to the left 25 yards out.

24min: Johnson gets the best out of Robinson with a snap shot inside the box, but despite the keeper's unconvincing parry, Zabaleta cannot follow up from an acute angle.

23min: Hanley is treading on a thin line now, after clattering Balotelli with a reckless tackle. He is booked for his troubles, no surprises that he doesn't complain.

22min: Pablo Zabaleta dinks in a cross, but despite the presence of three Blackburn defenders, it's Balotelli that goes closest to heading home. The Italian is just a couple of inches too short though as the ball sails away to safety.

20min: As another City attack ends, there is a few groans from the home crowd. They are going to have to be a patient bunch today, Rovers remain camped inside their own half.

17min: Blackburn have dropped deeper now and are frustrating the hosts who have had 81 per cent of the ball.

14min: City are starting to apply some pressure though, they win a corner but Rovers again clear their lines.

11min: Credit to Blackburn, they have settled into this game. That Balotelli chance aside, Robinson hasn't been troubled.

8min: It's been a bright opening to this game, City naturally are just shading it but Rovers are not content with just parking the bus. There is goals here.

5min: Blackburn threaten with a free-kick, but Grant Hanley's shot from inside the box is blocked by Joleon Lescott for a corner.

2min: But nearly not much longer. A fine one-touch move ends with Adam Johnson cutting back to Mario Balotelli.

The Italian hits it low first time, but Paul Robinson dives down low to his near-post bottom corner to superbly punch away. Top quality save.

1min: Well Blackburn have held out longer than Porto anyway. The Portuguese giants of course conceded here after just 19 seconds on Wednesday.

Under pressure: Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen (right) challenges City's Sergio Aguero

Under pressure: Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen (right) challenges City's Sergio Aguero

Kick-off: The hosts get us going.

17.27: Out come the teams then to a warm reception from the home fans.

17.24: Blackburn started the day outside the bottom three, but results have gone against them so far and they now occupy a relegation place. They only need a point to again climb out though.

17.21: City have a chance to go five points clear at the top with a win today. Despite Blackburn's heroics at Manchester United two months ago I just can't see Rovers troubling the hosts.

Steve Kean and his team have surprised me more than once this season though.

17.18: Mario Balotelli makes his first Barclays Premier League appearance in a month as he returns to the Manchester City starting line-up today.

The Italian, who has served a four-match domestic ban, comes in along with Adam Johnson in a reshaped attack to face Blackburn at the Etihad Stadium.

Samir Nasri and the injured Gareth Barry make way while the leaders' full-backs are again rotated with Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov replacing Micah Richards and Gael Clichy.

Struggling Blackburn hand a debut to new signing Marcus Olsson, who joins brother Martin in the team, and Radosav Petrovic is included in central midfield.

17.15: Oh my word, the Olsson twins are starting for Blackburn. There is just no telling between the two! I'm in for a long evening.

17.13: Full line-ups from the Etihad Stadium:

Man City v Blackburn
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Toure Yaya, Silva, Aguero, Johnson, Balotelli. Subs: Pantilimon, Richards, Milner, Pizarro, Dzeko, Nasri, Clichy.

Blackburn: Robinson, Orr, Dann, Hanley, Martin Olsson, Pedersen, Petrovic, Hoilett, Formica, Marcus Olsson, Yakubu. Subs: Bunn, Modeste, Nzonzi, Rochina, Goodwillie, Vukcevic, Henley.

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)

17.10: According to Roberto Mancini, this is the first of many Champions League finals this season.

Looking at the Etihad Stadium I see no UEFA hallmarks around the ground and no 'Big Ears' trophy so I won't hold my breath on hearing that famous musical anthem before kick-off.

Mancini's false advertisement aside though, this is a Premier League encounter and it's rarely dull when either the league leaders or the Blackburn circus is in town. Team news coming up.

Point in the right direction: Yaya Toure returns to Premier League action for Manchester City

Point in the right direction: Yaya Toure returns to Premier League action for Manchester City

Manchester City star Yaya Toure guilty at taking time off

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I can't help but feel guilt at taking time out of title push, says City star Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure has admitted he feels guilty at missing part of Manchester City's season to be at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Title favourites City will be without their 24 million star for the next few weeks, with Toure focused on success with the Ivory Coast.

He admits to following City closely, and said: 'I do feel a bit guilty. I said to my wife it’s difficult to be away from City right now.

Star man: Toure celebrates after scoring against Liverpool earlier this month

Star man: Toure celebrates after scoring against Liverpool earlier this month

'But if I win the Cup of Nations and then come back and win the league it will be the most amazing season for me. And I’m very positive we can do it.

'Very positive that the Ivory Coast can win the Cup of Nations. And City win the Premier League. It will be very hard, very, very difficult.

'But all my countrymen believe we can win the cup and all City fans believe we can win the League.'

Ivory Coast have also gone many years without winning the big prise, with Toure not born the last time City won the title in 1968.

He can remember the last time Ivory Coast were kings of Africa however.

He told the Sun: 'I remember in 1992 when we won the cup. It was unbelievable. They were a great team and it was such an exciting game. They won on penalties and the hero was Alain Gouamene, the goalkeeper, because he saved two penalties.

'I was only eight years old but I remember it so well. There were big celebrations, the whole country came to a standstill for four days. So I know how special it will be for everyone if we can win it again.'

His thoughts are with country now, but he will be back at City soon enough and he admitted that the club are desperate to be champions.

He said: 'There’s big expectations because we are one of the biggest clubs now. We have spent a lot of money and built an incredible squad. Now we have to justify that by winning trophies.

Eye for goal: Yaya Toure scores for the Ivory Coast against North Korea at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010

Eye for goal: Yaya Toure scores for the Ivory Coast against North Korea at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010

'Our aim is to win the Premier League but I know that’s not easy. The Premier League is the best competition in the world. It is so difficult to win.

'I remember Thierry Henry talking to me about it when we were at Barcelona. He said the Premier League was the most difficult league he had ever played in and now I know why.

'I have great respect for Spanish football and Barcelona and Real Madrid are so high — but part of that is because the other teams are so low. That makes it all too easy for them. You will never see Malaga win at Barcelona or Zaragoza at Madrid.

'But the other day we have bottom-of-the-table Blackburn winning at Manchester United, Aston Villa winning at Chelsea and we lost at Sunderland. Unbelievable. That would never happen in Spain.

'That’s why people all around the world love the Premier League. That’s why this league is so hard to win and why it will be so special for me and City to do it this season.'

Toure added that City still see neigjbours Manchester United as the biggest threat this season.

'We know Manchester United are a strong team. They have such fantastic experience, more than any other team in Europe. Even more than Barcelona, so it is going to be very tough.'

Roberto Mancini wants to keep Yaya Toure from joining the Ivory Coast until Wigan game

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Let us keep Yaya a bit longer, Mancini urges Ivory Coast

Dynamic: Yaya Toure

Dynamic: Yaya Toure”s drive will be missed by Man City during the Africa Cup of Nations

Roberto Mancini has asked the Ivory Coast to permit Yaya Toure to remain with Manchester City until after they make the trip to Wigan on January 16, rather than flying to link up with the African Cup of Nations squad before the game.

“We hope he can remain here until Wigan if it is possible,” said the Italian.

“Wigan is one week before the start of the tournament. If he gets to the final, he and Kolo (Toure) will come back on February 12.

“For us it is a problem. I think if we are on the top when Yaya and Kolo come back, we can win the title.”

Winners Mancini believes City can win the league if they are top by the time the Toure brothers return

Winners Mancini believes City can win the league if they are top by the time the Toure brothers return

Indeed, Mancini believes the championship race has already narrowed to three teams, which do not include Sunday”s visitors Arsenal.

“At the moment, us, (Manchester) United and maybe Tottenham are the three teams that can fight for the title,” he said.

“But the season is long. Chelsea, Arsenal and, maybe, Liverpool could also try. The season is hard. We have a lot of games to play in the next 40 days.”