Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has announced his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old has opted to walk away from his duties with the Ivory Coast after earning 113 caps for his country across a 12-year spell.
The midfielder, who has been named African Footballer of the Year on four occasions, helped his nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.
In a statement on his official website, Toure said: "Writing this note was probably 'the most difficult match of my life'. After 14 years at the highest level, I'm sure this is the right time for me! The fact that I am 33 now, the intensity of training and the multitude of games are not the reasons why I am making this decision.
"I would like to say solemnly that I am stopping!!! It's true that I had several titles at clubs, national cups, league trophies. I played in Belgium, Ukraine, Greece, France and in Spain where I was able to win the prestigious Champions League with Barca in 2009 and also in England, where I continue to play.
"With the Elephants, it was even more special. I learned to win for my country. That's why I will always retain the pride in having achieved four African Golden Balls for the Ivory Coast."
Toure, who took over from Didier Drogba as Ivory Coast captain in 2014, is struggling to break his way into Pep Guardiola's team at Man City.
The former Barcelona midfielder has been left out of City's Champions League squad and is yet to make a Premier League appearance.
Danielle Joynson
