Liverpool FC have completed the signing of former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure.
Although the signing is being made official only now, Toure was effectively their first signing of the season and the announcement was put on hold as they were waiting for Toure’s contract with Manchester City to expire. It is not be a big name signing, but certainly one which could prove to be a shrewd piece of business. Kolo Toure might have made just 29 appearances for Manchester City in the last two seasons, but at the age of 32 he still has a good 2-3 years left in him.
ai???The powerful defender put pen to paper on a contract with the Reds at Melwood on Tuesday to finalise his move from Manchester City.ai??? ai??i?? Read a statement on the clubai??i??s official website.
Toure is officially the fourth signing for Liverpool this summer, as the Merseyside club have already secured their move for Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Simon Mignolet. Toure will become the first Ivorian to represent the Reds and has been handed over the jersey number four. The 32-year-old has expressed his delight at joining a big club like Liverpool and has insisted that the clubai??i??s history played a part in decision.
“This means a lot to me. Firstly, I’m joining one of the best clubs in England.
“When I left City it was important for me to stay in England because it’s the best league – and to join Liverpool is massive for me.
“I chose Liverpool because of the history and because of the spirit of the team and the people here.” ai??i?? He told the clubai??i??s website.
Kolo Toure brings in the much needed experience in the Liverpool defence, something which they will miss after the retirement of Jamie Carragher. There are also doubts about the future of Sebastian Coates and Martin Skrtel at the club. Although it must be mentioned that Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos was Bredan Rodgersai??i?? primary target, Liverpoolai??i??s interest in him has cooled down following Schalkeai??i??s high demands.
Toure has won two Premier League titles along with his three FA Cup medals during his stint in England with Arsenal and Manchester City. He is one of the members of that famous Invincible Arsenal squad under Arsene Wenger. At City he didnai??i??t get enough opportunities during the later stages of his stint, although his suspension due to failing a drug test didnai??i??t help his cause either. Toureai??i??s is a strong defender, who is good in the air ai??i?? it will certainly help Liverpool in defending set pieces, something they have been vulnerable at during this season.
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