This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Former Manchester City star Yaya Toure has split with his controversial long-time agent Dimitry Seluk, ending a partnership that spanned over 15 years.
According to Mirror Sport, the pair had a difference of opinion on the direction of Toure's career after he joined Chinese second division club Qingdao Huanghai in May.
On the rift, Seluk simply said, "that's life" - a stark contrast to the close relationship the two once shared. Toure had even named his son after Seluk and affectionately called him Papushka, which means 'daddy' in Russian.
Seluk, a Monaco-based agent, had represented Toure since befriending him in 2003, when the player was about to move from Ukrainian club Metalurh Donetsk to Beveren.
Under Seluk's guidance, Toure made high-profile moves to Olympiakos, Monaco, and Barcelona before joining Manchester City in 2010 on a lucrative contract worth £250,000-a-week.
Toure became a key player for City, but the outspoken Seluk clashed spectacularly with the club's bosses, including Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola.
One notable incident saw Seluk accuse Guardiola of racism, with Toure returning to Olympiakos in 2018 after his contract expired.
Today, Toure is represented by TV presenter Leon Mann, and the 36-year-old is focused on making history with Qingdao Huanghai Football Club.
As a Manchester City legend, Toure won three Premier Leagues, two League Cups, and one FA Cup during his eight-year stint with the club.
City even named a training pitch after their former player, who notched 79 goals and 50 assists in 316 appearances for the club.
