Saturday 22 July 2017 10:38, UK
Manchester City stalwart Yaya Toure says he is looking forward to his eighth season with the club and hopes to win some silverware for the fans.
But the experienced midfielder thinks the strength in depth of the Premier League means the coming season is going to be enthralling for supporters but tough for players.
The 34-year-old looked like he might be on his way out at City last season but he forced his way back into manager Pep Guardiola's plans.
And Toure, who has won a pair of Premier League titles and an FA Cup with City, ended up signing a new one-year contract - and he told Sky Sports he is happy to be staying.
"It is the one club I have stayed at very long through my career," he said.
"The fans have been so great for me and for me the time is to pay them back. It is very important to play for them and I hope this year we are going to enjoy trophies."
City are likely to be in the mix for some of the biggest prizes but competition is certain to be fierce, as the Premier League's biggest hitters have all been strengthening their squads in the transfer market.
"This season coming, it is going to be more exciting and more difficult," Toure added.
"Because all the clubs have the power to buy good, strong players.
"So many good teams, powerful teams, so many rich clubs who can buy good players, To be honest it is going to be exciting for the fans, but for us it is going to be difficult!
"We will see what happens but I think it is going to be a tough year."
City have signed Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and Ederson since last season, with more incomings expected - and Toure says the new boys will need to hit the ground running.
"The new players are going to come," he said. "I hope they are going to adapt quickly because next year we will not have time."
