Yaya Toure has landed his first official job as a coach after a glittering 19-year career as player.
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The 37-year-old, who is yet to officially retire from the game, has joined Ukraine side Olimpik Donetsk as an assistant coach, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
It is a return to Donetsk for Toure after he spent two years as a player in Ukraine with now-defunct Metalurh Donetsk in the early stages of his career.
"I started my professional career in Donetsk. Now I am here to start my coaching path," Toure told Olimpik's official website.
"Of course, I understand that Olimpik is not Metallurg, but I remember well how friendly and open people were in Donetsk. I am very impressed by the local mentality
"To be honest, even my agent was surprised when he found out that I wanted to study to be a coach in Ukraine, but I was firm in my decision.
"It is not so easy to find a place where you can calmly, without unnecessary pressure, study, where you will be accepted as a friend."
During his time at Manchester City, Toure was one of the top earners in the Premier League. You can see the current highest-paid African stars in England below:
His new club is currently seventh in the Ukrainian Premier League, and the African legend will be starting his managerial career as an assistant to Ihor Klymovskyi.
"I am glad that Olimpik's coach went to the meeting and allowed me to join his team," he added.
"Ihor Klymovskyi is an experienced specialist who has worked a lot with young people and is now showing excellent results in the top Ukrainian league. I am sure I can learn a lot from him, both tactically and in terms of preparation.
"At the same time, I am sure that I myself can be useful for Olympik's footballers, as a professional and senior friend. Somewhere to suggest something, share your knowledge and vision of football. I am enthusiastic to work and am motivated to learn to grow into a good coach."
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