Yaya Toure desperate for break before new season

Yaya Toure has admitted that he needs to spend some time away from football following a difficult few weeks for the Manchester City midfielder.

Following Ivory Coast's exit at the group stage of the World Cup in Brazil, Toure concedes that he was never in the correct condition physically or mentally at the tournament following the death of his younger brother Ibrahim, who lost his battle with cancer last month.

"I got through this World Cup like a ghost," the 31-year-old revealed to reporters. "Never 100%. I gave everything I could but sometimes it was not enough. I suffered in silence, I kept to myself.

"I admit that I'm completely drained - worn out, both physically and mentally. I am out of energy. After the World Cup, I will take myself away from it all for a while."

Toure has been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions after claiming that the club did not allow him to spend more time with his brother.