Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has admitted that he has been left feeling 'hurt' by criticism aimed in his direction in recent weeks.
The work-rate and overall performances of the 31-year-old have been called into question at certain stages of this season, particularly since March when the Citizens' form began to nosedive.
Toure insists that critics are welcome to their own personal views, but he has vowed to continue fighting for the club in the closing stages of the campaign.
"Everybody has their opinion in football and they are entitled to that," the Daily Star quotes the Ivorian as saying. "There have been a lot of things said and a lot of rumours about me, but everyone who knows me - the people who work for the club and the supporters - know that I will continue to fight to the end for this football club.
"It hurts a lot sometimes when your work-rate is questioned, but I will work hard for the team and for the respect of the fans who have always been behind me. I will continue to show my commitment to the team and I love playing for City."
Toure has made 34 appearances for City this term in all competitions, as well as representing the Ivory Coast six times in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Daniel Lewis
