Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is delighted that Samuel Eto'o will be staying with the Catalan giants this season, but admits he was disappointed Didier Drogba was not one of the club's summer additions.

Drogba was one of a host of strikers linked to Barca during the close season but the 30-year-old, an Ivory Coast team-mate of Toure's, announced earlier this month his intention to continue at Chelsea for at least another two years.

Toure admitted to French newspaper L'Equipe: "I would have loved Drogba to join me at Barcelona."

However, Toure's dismay was tempered by the news that Cameroon international Eto'o was not going anywhere.

Eto'o was one of three senior players, the others being Ronaldinho and Deco, who were told they did not figure in new coach Pep Guardiola's plans for the coming campaign.

But while Ronaldinho and Deco have moved on, Eto'o has been handed a second chance at the Nou Camp following an impressive pre-season and Toure for one is thrilled the prolific hitman is remaining.

"I give thanks to God that Eto'o is staying. He is not far away from being the best striker in the world," said the midfield powerhouse, who is confident Barca can pick up some silverware this season following two barren years.

"With all the great players and the mentality that we have, I don't see why we cannot achieve it (winning titles)," he added.

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