Kolo Toure

About

Kolo Habib Touré (born March 19, 1981 in Bouake), is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Arsenal. Touré is renowned for his pace, strength, athleticism. He is the older brother of FC Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré and Ibrahim Touré of Metalurg Donetsk.

He is deployed by Arsène Wenger at centre-back, but is also capable of playing as a full-back, as well as anywhere across the midfield. He is the longest-serving member in the current Arsenal squad and vice-captain along with Gilberto.

Background

Club Football

Kolo was a utility player when he arrived at Highbury in February 2002 - now he is Arsenal's most established central defender and a firm favourite with the fans.

The Ivorian has strength and pace, times his tackles expertly and is quick to snuff out danger when the ball is played through the middle. Now 25, Kolo's leadership skills are increasingly to the fore in an inexperienced Arsenal back line.

Kolo also poses a threat to opposition defences. His barnstorming runs get the crowd on the edge of their seats and, although he is not a regular on the scoresheet, he did break his Highbury duck last season with the only goal of the Champions League Semi Final against Villarreal.

International Football

He has played for the Côte d'Ivoire since 2000. His début was in April 2000 against Rwanda. He is a first choice central defender. He played in all 5 games for the Côte d'Ivoire as they finished runners up to the hosts in the African Cup of Nations in Egypt in January 2006.

He was named in the 23-man squad taken by coach Henri Michel to the 2006 World Cup and made his first appearance in a World Cup on June 11, 2006 in Côte d'Ivoire's 1–2 loss to Argentina.

International Goals

Awards and Honours

Personal Awards

Career Statistics

M = Matches, G = Goals, A = Assists

Personal Info

Wife / Girlfriend

Sponsors

Important Links

References