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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini: Yaya Toure can play until he is 37
MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini believes Yaya Toure can continue play at the highest level until he is 37.
The Ivorian penned a new four-year deal with City yesterday, which ties him to the club until 2017.
Toure was a driving force in City's title success last season and guided the club to FA Cup glory in 2011.
Addressing the media at his customary press conference, Mancini foresees Toure playing until his late thirties and admitted he wasn't worried about the original stand-off in negotiations between club and agent.
He said: "He can play until he is 36, 37. He can play in front of the defence. He can play like a defender.
"We are happy he will continue to play for us."
Mancini is under no illusion that the title race is all but over, but he is adamant that City won't let their grip on second place slip.
He added: "We want second place. There are eight games to play.
"The next three weeks will be tough. We play every three days and this will be a crucial period for us."
City will be seeking retribution when they travel to Old Trafford on Monday, having lost 3-2 against bitter rivals United at the Etihad in December.