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Journalism of Courage
Yaya Toure, a three-time Premier League winner, turned out in a Leyton Orient training kit on Friday in order to keep himself fit.
The ex-Ivory Coast midfielder, formerly playing for Manchester City and Barcelona, is working with the EFL League Two side during the season break in China but he is not preparing for a stint with Leyton Orient.
After ending his eight-year spell in the blue part of Manchester in 2018, the 37-year-old joined Greek side Olympiacos and then moved to the Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai in the summer of 2019.
According to British media, Toure’s agents contacted Leyton Orient about using their Chigwell training ground. On reaching an agreement, Toure, did some running and stretching on Friday.
He plans to return Monday and will increase his workload through the week.
“I just want to enjoy it until the last minute because football for me is everything. They allowed me to train with the lads. The manager was fantastic. Everybody welcomed me here and I feel like I’m at home,” said Toure.
Leyton Orient coach Ross Embleton told the club’s website that they thought it was a joke when Toure’s agent contacted them 10 days prior.
“Any opportunity to get a player of his quality, one of the best in the world, is fantastic. He comes across as a really good character, and it will give our players a really good opportunity to learn from him in the experience,” Embleton said.
Leyton Orient are currently sitting 17th in the League Two standings with 42 points after 36 matches post promotion to Football League in 2019.
As for Toure, Sportsmail understands that he will move back to China to continue his career once the travel restrictions caused by coronavirus are lifted.
Toure, who has played for clubs like Manchester City, Barcelona, and AS Monaco, has won three Premier League titles, two La Liga titles, one UEFA Champions League, and one African Cup of Nations.
Toure is also a four-time CAF African Footballer of the Year.
