A lightweight, young but technically-gifted Yaya Toure made his way out of Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s commercial capital at the age of 17.
Aware of his own luck, and good reality, he worked hard at Beveren, Belgium to get to the greatest heights of the game.
Olympiacos, Monaco, Barcelona and Manchester City- Toure has had a stellar football career and has won many laurels.
His career, which has seen him getting crowned as the African Player of the Year four times is winding down and the footballer has grown a penchant for coaching.
His desire for the basics and understanding of football, he said, was built from home, where it all began for him.
In an interview with Coaches Voice, Toure revealed his desire to follow in the footsteps of his brother, Kolo Toure, who’s currently learning at Leicester under Brendan Rodgers.
He said many of his coaches have alway seen the quality of a good coach in him as he asked lots of questions and lived the game.
Toure’s legendary status in African football is without a question, as he is one of the continent’s more decorated footballers abroad.
Respected at home for his much-appreciated effort in helping Ivory Coast to a coveted AFCON title in 2015, their first since 1992, Toure is currently doing his coaching badges at Queens’ Park Rangers under Chris Ramsey.
In a game where it’s difficult for black coaches to earn opportunities, Toure has a close example in former teammate, Vincent Kompany who is working his socks off at Belgian club, Anderlecht as he builds a career in coaching.
Toure hopes the lessons he got from Abidjan down to Manchester will shape his vision going into the profession as he wants to be rather seen on the pitch exchanging ideas, and barking out instructions to young footballers.
Not many African greats have trailed the coaching path, with many rather choosing to be in the corporate world or vie for administrative positions in the game, but Toure may be a pleasing difference and one that will encourage many others.