Manchester City Transfer News: Pep Guardiola Confirms Yaya Toure Exit Rumours

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed star midfielder Yaya Toure will leave the club at the end of the season.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, the tactician heaped praise on Toure, one of the most popular and influential players in City history, and also explained how he'll be honoured by the club (via ESPN FC):

"The Brighton game we will give him what he deserves, one of the most beautiful farewells a player can receive. All the game we will be focused on winning the game against Brighton for Yaya, and we are going to try to do it for him.

"We have amazing facilities but the club became what they did because of the players. Yaya Toure came here when this idea for the club started, and what we are in this moment is thanks to what this guy has done.

"We cannot forget the period from Roberto Mancini, and especially Manuel Pellegrini -- Yaya was the key, key, key, key, key, key player. That's why we are delighted to prepare for Sunday's game, for our celebration, and after for Yaya."

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As explained by ESPN FC, the 34-year-old signed a one-year deal to stay at the Etihad Stadium last summer, and he hasn't featured much this season. Rumours of a departure were consistent throughout the 2017-18 campaign, but that didn't make things any easier for fans on Friday.

The Sky Blues put together this short video tribute of some of his finest moments in the shirt:

Former City man Paul Lake also weighed in on the news:

Toure joined the club in 2010 after a spell with Barcelona and immediately became one of the team's most important players. He helped the side win the FA Cup in his first year with several key goals―including the winner in the final against Stoke City―and would add two Premier League titles to his resume in the following years.

While he initially slid down the pecking order following Guardiola's arrival, the veteran regained his spot in the team last year with a series of impressive showings. Things have been different this year, however, as Toure hasn't started a single Premier League contest.

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He'll likely start Wednesday's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, the last home match for the Citizens this season.

Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star Sunday linked the Ivorian with a move to MLS earlier this season, while the player himself hinted at a Serie A move during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com).

One would have to assume the Chinese Super League would also be in play as a destination, as many players have made the move east in recent years. Former team-mate Andres Iniesta is expected to do the same:

Toure will be 35 at the start of next season and heavily relied on his athletic prowess and strength during his prime years, so it will be interesting to see what kind of deal he gets. His new club will have to determine whether or not he'll continue to be an effective players in the next few years, and they won't have a lot of recent footage to work with.