West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini claims that he turned down the opportunity to sign Yaya Toure on a free this summer.
Toure played under Pellegrini in their Manchester City days and the pair won the 2013-14 Premier League title, with the midfielder playing a key role in City's success.
The Ivorian midfielder had a medical in London earlier this week and if all is good with that, Toure will be joining Greek side Olympiakos.
Toure's agent, Dimitry Seluk tweeted on Tuesday, confirming his client would not be joining the Hammers:
Pellegrini insisted it was his decision and not Toure's and revealed that he spoke to his former midfielder, and his wish was to stay in England.
"Unfortunately they were the words of Yaya's agent," Pellegrini said, referring to Seluk's tweet.
"I spoke to Yaya, I know him and appreciate him as a person. He is a very good player but in the moment, when we were doing our squad list, that position was covered for other players.
"We needed money to bring in players in other positions, so we explained to Yaya clearly why he cannot come here.
"I hope he will find a good club, a big club because he is a very good player."
Pellegrini's West Ham side will be desperate for their first win on Saturday as they host newly-promoted Wolves at the London Stadium (kick-off: 15:00).
Comments