Yaya Toure's final years at Manchester City were mired by controversy and now the midfielder has come out in a shock tirade against coach Pep Guardiola.
This summer sees Toure depart Eastlands following the expiry of his contract, and he has stated that his difficulties with Guardiola were largely down to issues that he feels the Spaniard has with African players.
"I want to be the one who breaks the Guardiola myth," the 35-year-old told France Football.
"I tried to understand it and I even asked coaches for my stats. When I realised that they were as good or better, both in training and in matches, as those who played and were younger than me, I understood that it was not question of physicality.
"I don't know why but I have the impression that he was jealous, he took me for a rival. I have the impression that Pep, without acknowledgment or respect, did everything to spoil my last season.
"He was cruel with me. Do you really think he could have been like that with Andres Iniesta? It got to the point I asked myself if it was because of my colour. I'm not the first, other Barcelona players asked the question too.
"Maybe us Africans aren't always treated the same by certain people. When you see the problems he has often had with African players, everywhere he has been, I ask myself questions."
Toure continued by claiming that Guardiola is wise to this alleged problem and has a certain way of dealing with his players that clashes with the Ivorian's own outlook.
"He's too intelligent to be caught," the player added. "He'll never admit it.
"But the day he picks a team with five Africans in it, I promise I will send him a cake!
"Beyond that, Pep likes to dominate and wants to have obedient players who kiss his hand. I don't like that kind of relationship. I respect my coach but I'm not his thing."
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