Manchester City is delighted to announce that Yaya Toure has signed a new four-year contact.

The deal to keep the reigning African Player of the Year at the Etihad Stadium until 2017 was signed this afternoon.

Toure, who celebrates his 30th birthday in May, has been an integral and inspirational part of the Blues journey to FA Cup winners and Premier League champions.

He is excited by the prospect of extending his career at the club he calls home and for which he has already started more games than any other since making his senior debut for Beveren in 2001.

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“This is where I want to be,” declared Yaya. “When I first arrived at City every time I went to sleep I would dream about us winning something; now it is about us being the best team in whatever competition we take part in.

“I will never forget how I have been treated here by the fans, the club and the owners and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to finish my career as a Manchester City player.

“I want to continue winning titles and trophies and continue to make history. I have enjoyed all of my time here and can’t wait for the next chapter. This is an incredible club to be part of with fans that support a team to the end whatever the circumstances.”

Having finalised the details of his new agreement, Yaya, whose glittering and lengthy CV includes a Champions League, two La Liga titles, a Barclays Premier League, an FA Cup and a Copa Del Rey (Spanish Cup), is determined to end the season with more silverware and then fire the Blues to new glories next season.

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“Of course now it looks likely that we will not successfully defend the Premier League title and that is sad for all of us but we can still finish second and win the FA Cup for a second time in three years and that is still an achievement for a club that won nothing for a long time,” he declared.

“We must try to finish on a high note and then start preparing to win more next season! Football is always a challenge and always a puzzle to solve and that is why we all love the game.

“You have to use your skill, intelligence and strength to constantly improve and that is what we at City intend to do.”