The Nerazzurri boss – who brought the Cote d’Ivoire captain to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2010 – has reiterated his desire to be reunited with the midfielder at San Siro

Roberto Mancini admits Inter would love to sign Manchester City star Yaya Toure this summer, revealing that the Ivorian is like a son to him.

Toure has appeared unsettled on several occasions during his five-year stay at City, often voicing his discontent through outspoken agent Dimitry Seluk – most notably last summer when he felt the club had not adequately celebrated his birthday.

And Mancini – who brought Toure to the Etihad Stadium from Barcelona for £25 million (€35m) in the summer of 2010 – has reiterated his desire to bring the Ivorian midfield powerhouse to Italy.

“Yaya Toure is like a son to me,” he told reporters at a press conference. “If there was a chance of us signing him, we’d be interested.”

Toure, who led Cote d’Ivoire to Africa Cup of Nations glory earlier this year, has netted seven times in 21 Premier League appearances so far this season. 

Mancini went on to insist he is pleased with the commitment of his Inter players after a number of costly errors that led to a midweek Europa League defeat to Wolfsburg.

“The formation isn’t important; what matters is the character and mindset the players go out there with,” he said.

“No one’s let me down. When the players cross the white line they give 100 per cent.

“It was a very open match and we lost it because of our own mistakes – they’re part and parcel of the game.”

Inter lie six points off Fiorentina and the final European place, with the Milan derby to come next month.

“Cesena, Sampdoria, two more and then the derby. If we play these games well, we can close the gap,” he added.

“We’re a bit tired with all the travelling, but I doubt we’ll change much [for Sunday]. We’ll assess [Gary] Medel and [Rodrigo] Palacio.”