Yaya Toure training with Leyton Orient

“The manager and staff have been fantastic in allowing me to come train with the lads and it’s a huge opportunity as things aren’t easy, especially with the virus,” Toure told Orient TV.

“I just want to enjoy it to the last minute as football to me is everything. It’s great Orient have allowed me to train with the lads and everyone has welcomed me here. I just want to do my best and train hard.

“Today was just about trying to get my legs going, but I think from Monday I’ll look to be more involved on the ball, and will be a lot more active.”

Last summer Toure had to deny rumours he had retired before he moved to China after a short spell with Olympiacos.

The 37-year-old helped Qingdao earn promotion to the Super League in October before he was sent off in his final game and has now left the club following the end of his contract.

Orient boss Ross Embleton admitted he thought it was a wind-up when he first received a message from Toure’s team, with the Ivorian now living in London.

“I had contact from his agent 10 days ago and we thought it was a joke,” he said.

“We followed it through though and pretty soon realised it was the real deal.

“Any opportunity to get a player of his quality, one of the best in the world, is fantastic. He comes across as a really good character and it will give our players a really good opportunity to learn from him in the experience.”