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Former Ivory Coast international Yaya Touré has revealed that he twice came close to joining Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais during the early stages of his career.
Speaking on **_[Zack en roue libre](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Lk9enQcF_hs)_**, the show hosted by French content creator **Zack Nani**, the ex-midfielder reflected on a series of aborted transfer moves that could have significantly altered his trajectory. In 2004, following three impressive seasons in Belgium with KSK Beveren, PSG approached the then-21-year-old with the intention of bringing him to the Parc des Princes.
Touré says Paris were keen but proposed paying his transfer fee in two instalments – unlike Ukrainian side Metalurg Donetsk, who were ready to meet the sum immediately. Although the player was eager to move to PSG, he claims that those around him blocked the transfer:
_“The people close to me didn’t respect my wishes… That move to PSG was taken away from me. It really hurt me,”_ he explained.
After spells with Metalurg Donetsk and Olympiakos, Touré re-emerged in the summer of 2006 as one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders. At 23, he attracted interest from Real Madrid, Lyon, and AS Monaco.
Ultimately, he opted for the Principality. Touré said he chose Monaco because he felt it offered an environment where he could continue to grow without excessive scrutiny. _“Monaco have almost no supporters, so no pressure — the stadium is practically empty. Lyon were very strong, and Real Madrid expect a Champions League semi-final every year.”_
**[GFFN](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/) | George Boxall**