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A load of nonsense! Harry Redknapp wades into Yaya Toure birthday snub
HARRY REDKNAPP has branded Manchester City star Yaya Toure's birthday row as a 'load of nonsense'.
The Ivory Coast midfielder was left upset by his owners after a perceived lack of respect shown to him by his employers.
The 31-year-old recently lifted his second title in three seasons with the Citizens, but put himself in the shop window and has threatened to leave the Etihad.
A cluster of European clubs including Barcelona, Monaco and PSG have been linked, and his agent, Dimitri Seluk, said the player is now seeking reassurances that he will have a "job for life" at City.
Redknapp, who is preparing his side for their Championship play-off final against Derby, brushed off the episode.
It's a family thing. Birthdays are for family. What a load of nonsense.
"At my age, you don't want to be reminded about your birthday!," Redknapp said jovially.
"I've never known when a player's birthday. It's a family thing. Birthdays are for family.
"What a load of nonsense."
Toure is currently one year into a four-year deal that sees him pocket £200,000-a-week.