Man City legend says Arsenal was 'always my dream' in passionate admission

legend Yaya Toure has admitted that it was always his dream to play for Arsenal, whom he almost joined after a successful trial in 2003. Toure is recognised as one of the best midfielders in history after an eight-year career at the Etihad Stadium from 2010 to 2018, in which he lifted three titles.

However, several years before landing in English football, he was destined to don the red and white of Arsenal as Arsene Wenger pushed for his signature. Toure had an agreement with the Gunners and even featured in a 0-0 draw against Barnet in pre-season, but he failed to complete a permanent transfer. The Ivory Coast international hadn't been playing for Belgian club Beveren long enough to receive a European passport, which caused issues.

Players from beyond the continent had to have played in at least 75 per cent of their national team's competitive games in the past two years to gain a work permit automatically.

But Toure didn't make his Ivory Coast debut until a year later, leaving him short of the requirements to make the move in 2003.

Instead of remaining in Belgium, he joined Metalurh Donetsk and played for Olympiakos, Monaco and Barcelona before arriving at City.

Wenger hasn't since shied away from admitting his regret at not getting Toure's move over the line 22 years ago.

And Toure recently opened up on the failed switch on , describing an Arsenal transfer his career dream that didn't become a reality.

"Arsenal has always been my dream, to be honest," Toure explained. "Because when I was on trial long ago, I was able to share a dressing room with one of my idols, Patrick Viera.

"All of the team was there as well. And me, I was like sitting there [and they'd say], 'Oh, Yaya, go wash my shoes' and I'd say no problem!

"But now go and say to the younger generation, 'go wash my shoes'... you're going to have a problem!

"When I was going to Highbury, the stadium, watching the things, and I'll never forget that one time I said, 'One time, I have to come to this club'.

"And after that, at some point, it didn't work out for me because I didn't have the passport.

"At that time, I didn't have 75 per cent of playing time for the Ivory Coast. I was really sad, to be honest. I was really sad because Arsenal... London..."

Arsenal didn't mourn missing out on his talents for too long as 'The Invincibles' stormed to the Premier League title in the 2003/04 season.

And Toure won't regret his glittering career in the English top flight while Arsenal's wait for their next title since that 2004 success continues.