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Manchester City face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals first leg. However, the English Championships are also said to be facing a spiritual yoke- Yaya Toure's curse.
What is the Yaya Toure curse?
In 2016, Dmitri Seluk, a former agent of Yaya Toure, declared that an 'African curse' would strike Pep Guardiola because of how he treated African players.
Manchester City was accused of side-lining African players, including Toure, who struggled for a starting spot in the team.
Toure made only one starting appearance in his last season at the club.
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"The way he behaved toward club legend Yaya, making excuses not to let him play. As a result, he has turned the continent of Africa against him, and many African supporters of Manchester City have abandoned the club.
"And I do not doubt that many African witch doctors will prevent Guardiola from winning the Champions League ever again. It will affect Guardiola similarly to an African curse. I'll know if I'm right or wrong in due time", Seluk told Sport24.
Is the curse 'real'?
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The alleged 'curse' has seemingly prevailed since Toure left the Etihad. As a result, Manchester City has suffered shocking exits and, at times, embarrassing losses in the UCL's later stages.
Pep Guardiola and Toure's relationship
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Toure was bitter with Guardiola and publicly stated that the City manager had a 'problem' with African players.
"He stole my farewells with City, a club where the fans are magnificent. I would have liked to leave with emotion from this club [like] Iniesta or Buffon. But Pep prevented me.
"He was cruel to me," Touré added. "Do you really think Barcelona could have done that with Iniesta?
"I came to wonder if it was not because of my colour. I am not the first to talk about these differences in treatment.”
“In Barça, some have also asked the question. Maybe we Africans are not always treated by some in the same way as others. When we realize that he often has problems with Africans wherever he goes, I ask myself questions."
Toure Apology to Guardiola
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Toure, in March 2022, apologized for his remarks about his former boss and said Guardiola had not responded.
"I want to apologize for this matter. I think it is time for this bitterness to stop - and I know that Yaya feels the same because he wishes nothing but success for City", he said.
Toure's agent 'lifts the curse'
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Ahead of City's Real Madrid clash, Toure's former agent has lifted the curse.
"I can say that the spell has now been lifted by the shamans - and that I think City will win the Champions League under Pep.
"They have a good chance of winning it this year. But whatever happens, they will win it in the next three years. Do you remember when I once criticized City for not giving Yaya a cake on his birthday?”
"Well, it is my birthday this month, and my present is for this curse to be ended. I hope that City wins the Treble this season."
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