Toure looking to the future

Yaya Toure insists he has not taken a step down by joining Manchester City from Barcelona.

Toure has become the focal point of City's summer recruitment drive after quitting the Nou Camp for the blue camp.

He comes to England with a wealth of experience, and a Champions League winner's medal from his time in Catalonia.

Yet there is also a suspicion he has left Barca for a more sedate life, content to just pick up his vast salary.

It is a claim he wants to dismiss by stressing his belief that City are on the up.

"I don't think this is a step down,” he said. "The Premier League is amazing. It is stronger than La Liga and Manchester City are making great strides within it.

"In future they will be a big club.

"Every team in every country is starting to talk about the club.

"They know we are signing good, important players and I want to do my bit.

"I don't feel pressure. I do have a lot of experience and I am determined to do my very best to make this club successful."

Saturday's clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane will represent the end of a decade–long odyssey for the 27–year–old.