The spirit of sportmanship in Barca is demonstrated by newcomer, Toure Yaya.



FC Barcelona’s Toure Yaya has apologized to injured Zaragoza striker, Matuzalem after Toure’s tackle on the agile player on Sunday saw Matuzalem being ruled out for 2 months. Following the tackle, Matuzalem was replaced as he was unable to continue the match. After hearing that Matuzalem will be out of action for two months with a partial tear of a ligament in his left knee, Touré said:

It was unfortunate this happened. I let myself become caught up in the moment emotionally because of the intensity. I did not want to hurt him at all, in fact, I tried to avoid that, but my trailing leg carried forward.

Explaining his efforts and concerns for the Zaragoza player's injury was real, Toure revealed how he had traced the player to their dressing room after the match to know how he was doing:

I went to find him in the changing room after the game. I have not come to Spain to be dirty, but to play football. I feel very sad for him. He is a great player and I ask for his forgiveness. I did not mean to hurt him at all. Matuzalem and I have known each other since our days in Ukraine. We played against each other and he is great. I voted for him as my Player of the Year over there.

The two players have met before in the Ukrainian league as Touré played for Metalurg Dontesk between 2003 and 2005, while Matuzelam was with Shakhtar Donetsk from 2004 until this summer.