Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure apologises to Pep Guardiola over 'misunderstandings'

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has issued a public apology to manager Pep Guardiola. The Ivorian star has been sidelined by the Spaniard since his agent Dimitri Seluk criticised Guardiola for leaving Toure out of their Champions League squad.

Seluk said Toure had been "humiliated" by Guardiola's decision to exclude the former Barcelona star from their European roster. The midfielder has not played for City since August and does not appear to be part of the club's long-term plans.

The controversial comments prompted Guardiola to say: "Seluk must apologise. If he doesn't, he won't play. I cannot accept as a coach, when his player doesn't play, going to the media to speak and speak and speak."

But 33-year-old Toure – who is out of contract at the end of the season – has now tried to end the stand-off by issuing a statement in which he has apologised to Guardiola for "misunderstandings".

"I wish to apologise – on behalf of myself and those who represent me – to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past," read the statement.

Toure claimed the remarks of his agent did not reflect his own thoughts on City. And although the Premier League-winning midfielder is expected to leave the club at the end of the current campaign, Toure reaffirmed his commitment to the City cause.

"Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there. I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club," Toure explained. "I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club's history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans.

"On that note, I would like to thank all of the fans for their messages through this difficult period. This means a great deal to me and my family."