Liverpool FC cult hero Kolo Toure today revealed that he turned down a host of top European clubs to stay at Anfield, describing the decision as “really simple”.
Speaking in a press conference before the team’s open training session in Adelaide, the 34-year old defender told James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:
“There were other offers but I couldn’t leave one of the best clubs in the world.”
“I feel loved here,” he said.
The player has come under criticism at stages during his Liverpool career, but there is an understanding by the fans that what the player brings to the club off the field is vital if they are to compete at the highest level.
“I really enjoy being here,” said the Ivorian.
“I feel loved and that’s important. I am so lucky to be at a club like this and I want to help this club to get better.”
Liverpool’s recent tour of Asia and Australasia has proved once again to the player that he has made the right choice in staying at the Merseyside club.
“It was amazing on the tour and I really felt the love,” said Toure.
“It’s very humbling when you get support like that. In Adelaide it was very cold but the people were very warm. We saw the love for the club all over the world and that shows you how big the club is. Everywhere we go they are behind us.”
The position the player has at the club has clearly been discussed with the manager, and it appears the former Manchester City title-winning defender is more than happy to perform the role of senior figure in the Anfield dressing room, yet his fire to compete at the top level still burns strong.
“I know I have a role to play in helping the younger players,” he said, “I have a lot of experience but I’m not here just for that. I want to play football. And I’ll fight and give 100% every single day to show to the manager that I’m able to play. That’s what everyone has to do.”
“We have two or three players for every position now. If someone is not fit then we’ve got someone ready to come in and play. You need that competition.”
Finally, the defender spoke of his enjoyment at being able to ply his trade under one of the Premier League’s up-and-coming managers.
“For me, to be able to be at Liverpool – playing for this manager and being part of this squad and playing for amazing fans – is massive.”
With the Liverpool players and manager alike recently making no bones about their desire to bring silverware to the club, it is clear that Toure will be called upon during the coming season, and hopefully he can deliver solid, assured performances each time.
