Vincent Kompany’s testimonial tonight is missing one huge name from his time at Manchester City tonight.
Sergio Aguero and David Silva are both scheduled to play for the City Legends XI against a Premier League select team at the Etihad Stadium.
But Yaya Toure is not in either team, despite being a huge figure in City’s success during Kompany ’s 11 years at the club.
The Ivory Coast international won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups in his eight years with City, as well as scoring some memorable goals in important matches.
He was also close to Kompany, the two of them being big voices in the City dressing room.
But Toure’s absence is not a glaring omission or a snub – the simple fact is that Toure – after retiring earlier this year – is now back playing for Chinese second division club Qingdao Huanghai.
His club is currently locked in a promotion battle, and were unwilling to lose him at a vital stage of the season, with six games left.
Kompany was asked at today’s press conference why Toure is not involved, and replied: “Of course I asked Yaya, he is in China and I think his club are very serious about going back up. He apologised and said he couldn’t make it.”
