GUARDIOLA REFUTES YAYA TOURE RACISM CLAIMS IT'S A LIE AND HE KNOWS IT

The Manchester City boss insists that the Ivorian's explosive quotes, accusing him of racism towards African players, are a complete fabrication

Pep Guardiola has rubbished claims from Yaya Toure suggesting he has had "problems with Africans", stating: "It's a lie and he knows it."

The veteran midfielder, who was handed a solitary Premier League start in the final season of a hugely successful eight-year stint at the Etihad Stadium, accused Guardiola of having "problems with Africans wherever he goes" and said he was treated as a rival.

City and Guardiola initially declined to comment on the quotes, but the latter has now made it clear he totally refutes Toure's comments.

"It's a lie and he knows it," Guardiola was quoted as saying by Marca in an interview with Catalan station TV3.

"We were together for two years and now this is when he says it. He never told me face to face."

"You know, Guardiola cannot be called a dog,” he told Sport24. “Because a dog is a good and kind creature, man’s best friend. But Guardiola, by his very nature, is man’s worst enemy," he added.

At a time when English clubs are spending huge sums of money on players, I officially declare that Yaya is ready to move to any top-six English club as a free agent with a salary of £1 per week,” he said. “As long as a success-based bonus system is in place.

"I think a player like Yaya would be good for a club like Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd, Tottenham or Liverpool. Yaya is a winner.”

That, of course, opens the door to a potential cross-city move for Toure, who could join United and work under Jose Mourinho.

Toure made his final appearance for City in a 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in May.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed a sparkling career at the Etihad Stadium, winning three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield, making over 300 appearances and scoring a total of 79 goals.