Yaya Toure has admitted that he feels "confused" about abandoning Manchester City to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
The Ivory Coast international, who could be absent from the Premier League side for up to a month, has revealed that he feels "sad" about leaving the North West club midway through the season.
"I have to go because my country is going through some difficult things with the war and everything but I am a bit guilty and confused about it," the Daily Mail quotes Toure as saying.
"My loyalties are divided and I feel a little bit sad. The Africa Cup of Nations is a fantastic tournament but this is a crucial time of the season.
"The team, the club and the manager need me but I have to go away and play in a different competition. It's difficult as I am very focused for City."
City suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Danielle Joynson
