West Ham United rejected the chance to sign Premier League champion
West Ham United manager, Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that the London side decided against signing Yaya Toure this summer. The Ivorian is a free agent and is still without a club.
Dimitry Seluk took a dig at the Hammers earlier this week. The journalists were keen on knowing what the manager had to say about it and asked him during today's press conference.
The manager was talking to the media ahead of their game vs Wolverhampton. “The words of the agent of Yaya were unfortunate,” said Pellegrini.
He added that he had spoken with the player personally and explained that the position was filled. He said, “I spoke with Yaya, I know how I appreciate him as a person, as a player. I think he is a very good player. In the moment that we were doing our squad list, that position was covered by other players.”
The manager went on to explain that they did not sign Toure to balance the financial side of the club. “We needed money to bring in other positions, so I explained to Yaya clearly why he cannot come here but I hope he will find a good club, a big club because he is a very good player,” added the manager.
Pellegrini went on to reveal that Toure was planning to stay in England and rejected an offer from China long back. “I spoke with Yaya. He wanted to stay in England. When I was at Manchester City, he received an offer away from China, but he always told me he wants to stay here in England. He continues to try to be here. I suppose West Ham was one option. For me as a manager also. But unfortunately, that position was covered by other players.” he said.