Sterling thrilled as “Uncle Yaya” puts pen to Man City paper

Raheem Sterling admits he is delighted that his “Uncle Yaya Toure” will be his Manchester City teammate for a while yet after the Ivorian signed an extension to his contract.

Toure has been at the Etihad for eight seasons already, and will be there for another one at least after delivering a stunning comeback campaign, having been out in the cold under manager Pep Guardiola for large parts of the season.

One of six free agents to sign a new deal, it seemed as though the 34-year-old’s Manchester days may have been over, only for the midfielder to hit top form on the park in the latter stages of the season.

And Sterling, who has been a Toure fan since joining from Liverpool in 2015, was among those delighted to see the marauding midfielder put pen to paper.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Yaya Toure of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion at Etihad Stadium on May 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“Uncle Yaya – what can I say about him,” he said.

“He’s done it at the highest level and he’s done it over many years for City. It’s a pleasure to share the pitch with him.

“Some of the stuff he does is incredible. You can always learn from him.

“The way he controls the game is brilliant and he is so composed on the ball.

“He can play wherever and whenever he wants. He’s a machine.”