Yaya Toure retires from international duty

Yaya Toure will no longer be pulling on the bright orange kit of his home nation, as the Ivorian midfielder announced Tuesday that he is retiring from international football effective immediately.

Toure, the 33-year-old former superstar whose career is waning as age continues to see him devolve from dominant powerhouse into a cumbersome afterthought at Manchester City, made the announcement on his website.

"Writing this note was probably the most difficult match of my life. After 14 years at the highest level, I’m sure this is the right time for me! The fact that I am 33 now, the intensity of training and the multitude of games are not the reasons why I am making this decision," he wrote.

"I would like to say solemnly that I am stopping!!! It’s true that I had several titles at clubs, national cups, league trophies. I played in Belgium, Ukraine, Greece, France, and in Spain where I was able to win the prestigious Champions League with Barca in 2009 and also in England, where I continue to play.

"With the Elephants, it was even more special. I learned to win for my country. That’s why I will always retain the pride in having achieved four African Golden Balls for the Ivory Coast."

A four-time recipient of the African Player of the Year award, Toure retires after having captained the Ivory Coast to glory at the 2015 African Cup of Nations.

He walks away from the international game having earned 113 caps with the Elephants.