Bony: Toure needs to stay at City

Ivorian linked with move to Inter

Wilfried Bony has urged countryman Yaya Toure to remain at Manchester City amid growing speculation the powerful midfielder is poised to leave the club.

Toure's outspoken agent Dimitri Seluk was last week quoted as saying his client was "90 per cent" certain to leave City at the end of the season, with a move to Inter and a reunion with former boss Roberto Mancini believed to be his preferred choice.

But Bony, who reveals that Toure played a key role in bringing him to the Etihad Stadium in a £27 million deal in January, insists the 32-year-old must be kept despite the transfer rumours.

"I talk to him about it all the time. He knows what I think. He brought me here so he needs to stay," Bony told reporters. "He told me about this being a big club, how we were the champions.

"He told me it was a club that always fights - and I am always a fighter so I liked that. He told me about the pressure, everything.

"For sure everyone wants to keep him here. He's a legend for this club for sure, he always will be. We hope he stays, he's a big player here and we know everything he is doing for the club.

"It's been difficult for him, but you have to remember it's been three years where there's been big tournaments, World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

"You need to play a lot of matches, you are playing in high temperatures, it's not easy. Injuries can also occur in that time, the pressure and expectations are high.

"There are some things in football you can't control, like when the tournaments come round, when you get injured. You just have to try to deal with them and help the team."

With thanks to Goal.com for their kind contribution.