Yaya Touré... Bit of a character, actually.
Manchester City's 33-year-old central midfielder has made headlines for all sorts in recent years, most notably Birthday Cake-gate and his extremely public fallout - or that of his agent - with Pep Guardiola.
Nonetheless, just when it seemed likely that he'd play out his contract at City and head for pastures anew, he's reestablished himself as a first-team regular, and isn't performing altogether badly despite accusations that he was 'past it' towards the end of Manuel Pellegrini's reign.
But just when things seemed like they were all coming up Yaya, the big Ivorian has been slapped with a driving ban after a DUI charge. And while most sane individuals would declare drink-driving the action of a total bellend, Touré has vehemently denied intentionally consuming alcohol on the night he was stopped, citing his faith as cause for his avoidance of the substance throughout his career and indeed life.
Taking to his Facebook page he writes:
Over the last two weeks there has been some confusion as to why I was charged with drink driving, as it is well known that I am a Muslim and do not drink.
I have always refused alcohol. Anyone who knows me or follows football will have seen me refuse champagne for Man of the Match performances because of my commitment to my religion.
The matter has now been resolved in court on Monday. As I was above the permitted limit when tested on the night, I decided not to challenge the charge. However, it was important to me that I told the court that I had not intentionally consumed alcohol. The judge in his sentencing remarks accepted that I had not been intentionally drinking.
Drink driving is a serious crime and even though I was not intentionally consuming alcohol I accept the ban and fine and I would like to apologise for this situation. I would also like to thank my family, the management and staff at Manchester City, my legal team and the fans for the support they have given me during this difficult time.
Perhaps a Holiday trifle of some description has landed Touré in a spot of bother with the law, or, dare we say it, a cake.
In fairness, if you watch back any of Man City's celebrations from league and FA Cup victories in past seasons, the big man doesn't go near any of the champagne on offer. Regardless, it'll be trips to training with the wife or teammates for Touré in the foreseeable future.
