Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has apologised to the club for what he describes as ‘misunderstandings from the past’.

The Ivory Coast international has been an influential figure since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2010, helping the club to six major honours, including two Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014.

The 33-year-old has however seen his playing time significantly reduced since Pep Guardiola’s arrival at the club in the summer, with his last first-team appearance coming against Steaua Bucharest in August.

The former Barcelona midfielder was subsequently left out of the Citizens’ Champions League squad, with his agent, Dimitri Seluk, accusing Guardiola of humiliating his client.

Guardiola responded by declaring that Toure would remain on the sidelines until his agent apologised for the remarks, and although a direct apology has not been forthcoming, Toure himself has now said sorry in a bid to draw a line under the whole affair.

Toure issued a statement, saying: “I wish to apologise – on behalf of myself and those who represent me – to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past.”

The four-time African Footballer of the Year went on to confirm that he hopes to return to City’s first-team fold sooner rather than later, as he believes he still has plenty to offer the club.

He added: “I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club’s history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans.

City are next in action when they play host to Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Saturday and they are available at 1.25 to secure all three points from the match, while Boro are priced at 13.00 and the draw is on offer at 6.50.