He told everyone he was going to do it prior to leaving Liverpool to represent the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, but after helping his country claim the continents top honour, Reds defender Kolo Toure has announced his retirement from international football.
By the time the teams lined up for penalties, the 33-year old had put his heart and soul into the gruelling 120-minute long battle before stepping up and burying his spot-kick with the kind of composure that only years of experience can bestow upon you. At the end of the day, Elephants ‘keeper Boubacar Barry was the hero — not only did he save Ghana counter-part Brimah Razak’s effort from 12-yards, but he slotted home one of his own to give the Ivory Coast their first AFCON trophy since 1992 and make sure Toure could retire on a high note.
“It is with great emotion that I inform you that it is time to say goodbye,” he told Ivory Coast based media outlet RTI. “My goal was to win the Africa Cup of Nations and I must admit that it was a very difficult decision to make. I do love my country and especially love football, but at some point, there comes a time to stop.”
Although his future at Liverpool is in question as the veteran defender moves into the final months of his contract at Anfield, the Reds will no doubt find time for the 33-year old to show his stuff on the pitch. With a two-legged Europa League tie with Besiktas coming up and a berth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup complicating what’s already a busy Premier League schedule, Toure will have some football to play in the coming weeks. While the future may end up taking him away from Merseyside, his decision to retire from International Football should help him prolong what’s been a glittering career — the fact that he get’s to walk away a champion just makes it that much sweeter.
