Yaya Toure: I spoke to Kessie for days about joining Barcelona; he can be great signing | OneFootball

Former Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is happy seeing fellow Ivorian Franck Kessie move to the Nou Camp.

Kessie's free transfer from AC Milan was confirmed by Barca today.

Toure told Mundo Deportivo: "It's true that I called him during the negotiations with Barça... How do you know? (laughs). We have been in contact this time and he called me several times because he knew that I knew Barcelona.

"To be honest, we talked for days because he wanted to know everything that would be found here. Milan offered him a new contract and it is a great club too, but Barcelona was determined. I told him not to hesitate, that if he wanted to leave he had to go to Barcelona. I explained many things to him in detail and that he had to play well from the beginning, have a good attitude and be as focused as possible.

Toure also said: "Physically he is a very powerful midfielder and I think he can still improve a lot in several aspects. He is a great player and if he has the confidence that he had at Milan I think he will be a great signing. I also told him that he had to be prepared for the high level of competition at Barça, because there are two or three players with whom to fight for a starting position.

"He is fully aware and he has me almost like an older brother, he listens to me a lot. Now he will be in a top club, surrounded by great players. I am very happy for him and for Barcelona."