Kolo Toure completes Liverpool switch

Kolo Toure with Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre after finalizing his move to Anfield

Former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has completed his switch to Liverpool on a free transfer after his contract at Manchester City expired.

The 32-year old, who was a part of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ team of 2003/04, is seen as a direct replacement for now retired Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

Toure incidentlly becomes the first player from Ivory Coast to represent the Reds.

“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.” Toure said.

He was reduced to a bit-part role at City last season , starting just 10 games. Toure becomes Liverpool’s fourth signing after the arrival of Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Simon Mignolet.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is delighted with the capture of the veteran defender, a move which will add some experience to a relatively youthful team.

“Losing someone like Jamie Carragher was going to leave a massive hole for us in terms of his experience,” Rodgers added.

“Kolo’s experience is going to be really important for us – but not just that. He’s someone with a winning mentality.”

“There weren’t too many available who were better than Kolo Toure. He’s played with big clubs, he understands what a winning mentality is about. He’s a good man as well – he knows what the culture is like at a big club.”