Yaya Toure eyes return to football with Vasco da Gama

RIO DE JANEIRO - Leven Siano, a candidate for the presidency of Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, has vowed to sign former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure if he is elected.

Vasco are expected to hold their first ever direct elections this year and Siano is one of six people to so far announce their candidacy.

In a video posted on Siano's Instagram page, Toure confirmed he was supporting the campaign of the 51-year-old lawyer from Rio de Janeiro.

"I want to thank Leven for including me in this project," Toure said. "I can hardly wait to see all the Vasco fans very soon."

Siano added: "Welcome, Mr Yaya Toure. Thank you for trusting in our project for Vasco da Gama. It's going to be Vasco."

Toure has not played since parting ways with Chinese club Qingdao Huanghai in December.

The 37-year-old has also been linked with a move to Vasco's Rio de Janeiro rivals Botafogo in recent weeks.

This month, Botafogo director Carlos Montenegro said the club hoped to secure a deal with Toure when Brazilian football returned from its coronavirus-enforced suspension.

Vasco have yet to confirm a date for the election.