Yaya Toure admits drink-driving, but…

Manchester City midfielder and Ivory Coast international Yaya Touré, who was arrested in Dagenham, east London, for drink-driving on November 28, has released a statement on his website apologizing to Manchester City supporters, but insisting he had not intentionally consumed alcohol.

The four-times African Player of the Year said on Tuesday that he had admitted the charge at a Monday court hearing. Touré said he had not contested the charge.

He said: “I have always refused alcohol. Anyone who knows me or follows football will have seen me refuse champagne for man-of-the-match performances because of my commitment to my religion.

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“The matter has now been resolved in court on Monday. As I was above the permitted limit when tested on the night, I decided not to challenge the charge. However, it was important to me that I told the court that I had not intentionally consumed alcohol. The judge in his sentencing remarks accepted that I had not been intentionally drinking.

“Drink driving is a serious crime and even though I was not intentionally consuming alcohol I accept the ban and fine and I would like to apologize for this situation,” he stated.

Toure has made only five appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. However, Manchester City have declined to be involved on the matter, insisting it is a private matter for the player.

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