Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola labels Yaya Toure’s claims he ‘has problem with Africans’ as ‘lies’
Spaniard hit back after astonishing accusations made by midfielder in recent interview and calls Lionel Messi 'unique'
PEP GUARDIOLA has labelled Yaya Toure's astonishing claims he "has a problem with Africans" as "lies".
The Ivorian midfielder made the sensational accusations in a recent interview with France Football after leaving Manchester City.
A host of players managed by Guardiola came out in support of the Spaniard in the wake of the claims.
The City boss told Catalan station : "They were lies and he knows it.
"We were together for two years and he says it now — he never told me to my face."
Guardiola received a fine earlier this season for wearing a yellow ribbon in support of imprisoned Catalan politicians.
Asked about the ribbon, he added: "It just asks for the freedom of people who been condemned to 30 years in prison for getting in a car.
"This is what hurts me: seeing people in prison or exiled. Nothing can return to normal until this is resolved."
TOUR BLIMEY West Ham ‘set to offer contract to Yaya Toure’ and former Man City midfielder is already discussing terms
Meanwhile, Guardiola added he would never return to Barcelona as first team manager and insists he will never be offered the Spanish national job.
The City boss also had his say on Lionel Messi, who described as ";unique".