Off the pitch, Cote D'Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure announced on Wednesday that he will retire from international duty. The decison from the 33-year old Manchester City player comes a surprise and major disappointment for many football fans in the African country who feel there must be more to the story. 

Toure captained Cote d'ivoire to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2015, and made 102 appearances, scoring 19 goals in 14 years for Les Elephants.

While some wished Toure well, others supporters feel there must be other reasons for his retirement.

Toure has been frozen out of the Man City side and the retirement announcement happened after his agent made public remarks criticizing manager Pep Guardiola's choices that left Toure out of his squad for the Champions League.

"Yaya Toure has his reasons, and he served the nation loyally, but I do not think that his retirement has come at the right time. He should have waited until after the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. He was a valiant fighter and an honest citizen with many services rendered to this country," Cote D'Ivoire citizen Florien Konan said.

"We are not okay with the fact that he has just retired. Why so abruptly retire at the age of 33? In this case, something isn't right. We, his fans and supporters, need an explanation for the reason." Yaya Toure fan Diaby Vakaba said.