From two-footing Arsene Wenger to defensive beast...
The tough tackling midfielder and all round utility man initially started his Arsenal career with a short trial. Arsene Wenger's scouting network picked him up whilst playing at ASEC Mimosas in his native Ivory Coast and soon invited him to London Colney. Following this trial he signed for the Gunners on valentines day 2002.
However, it could have been oh so different for the young man as Ray Parlour later told in his autobiography; Toure was so keen to impress that he was flying into tackles here there and everywhere. After crunching both Henry and Bergkamp and then being told to not tackle again, he flew into Arsene Wenger and two-footed him. He wasn't even playing in the game and ended up in the treatment room!! In 2017 Toure told Arsenal.com 'after that, everyone was laughing and joking but I was in shock'. The Ivorian thought his Arsenal career was over before it had even begun but Arsene Wenger seemed to like his rawness and outright love for a tackle. His enthusiasm didn't go unnoticed.
His stock rose rapidly from that moment on, and he eventually made his first team debut a few months later in the annual pre season showpiece; the Community Shield. It wasn't until a year or so later in the 2003/04 season where Wenger gave him a chance in central defence alongside England international Sol Campbell though. But it was here where the colossus that was Arsene Wenger's Invicibles really took off, as for the first time there was a the perfect blend of defensive grit and determination coupled with attacking prowess, creativity and dynamism. The midfield was the perfect combination of strength and size with touch and movement. It just worked, for everyone including Toure.
Battling with Philippe Senderos and Pascal Cygan for the spot alongside Campbell the following season, 04/05 was more of an in and out job for the tough Ivorian but he did grab his first European goal that season in the Champions League last 16 tie against Bayern Munich. A tie that the Gunners went on to lose.
During the next season, Toure and his colleagues were well and truly tested once again as they reached the Champions League final in Paris against favourites Barcelona. Toure scored in the semi final tie against Villareal and went on to start the final but Arsenal sadly went on to lose. Toure wouldn't be deterred.
He was handed the coveted number five shirt the following season (06/07) and went on to sign a new four year deal just as the season began. Developing into a real powerhouse and defensive leader, the quiet but assertive Ivorian was named third in command to club captain Thierry Henry and midfield stalwart Gilberto Silva. And just a year later, in the summer of 2007, he suddenly became the club's longest serving player after Henry, Ljungberg and Aliadière all departed in quick succession.
The arrival of new central defensive partner William Gallas was sadly the start of a downward spiral of bitterness not just with Toure but throughout the club. Gallas was more of a whinging captain than a verbal leader. He had the big 'I am' about him and ultimately ruined that period for Arsene Wenger and the club. Kolo Toure wasn't silly, he knew to prolong his career he had to get away from Gallas and as tough as it was to see (and hear about), he reportedly handed in a transfer request in April 2009. Although this was denied at the time, he left a few months later in the off season and signed for Manchester City, one of the first real pieces to their vastly built revolution.
Irrespective of his move to City and the steps he took after Arsenal, he was loyal, courageous and determined to give his all for the badge. Arsene Wenger and Arsenal were a huge part of his career and ultimately, his life. He won three major honours with the Gunners and played in a Champions League final. But for a red card to Jens Lehmann and that could have ended a lot different for everyone, not just Toure.
But beyond the titles, the leadership and the defensive grit, he was and still is a winner. He's won on the international stage and continued to win on the domestic stage after his Arsenal days. Above all though, he is an invincible. An invincible defender and part of the greatest team in Premier League history and a feat that will never be repeated again.
Kolo Toure, from two footing Arsene Wenger to invincible champion.
@craigbennett10
The tough tackling midfielder and all round utility man initially started his Arsenal career with a short trial. Arsene Wenger's scouting network picked him up whilst playing at ASEC Mimosas in his native Ivory Coast and soon invited him to London Colney. Following this trial he signed for the Gunners on valentines day 2002.
However, it could have been oh so different for the young man as Ray Parlour later told in his autobiography; Toure was so keen to impress that he was flying into tackles here there and everywhere. After crunching both Henry and Bergkamp and then being told to not tackle again, he flew into Arsene Wenger and two-footed him. He wasn't even playing in the game and ended up in the treatment room!! In 2017 Toure told Arsenal.com 'after that, everyone was laughing and joking but I was in shock'. The Ivorian thought his Arsenal career was over before it had even begun but Arsene Wenger seemed to like his rawness and outright love for a tackle. His enthusiasm didn't go unnoticed.
His stock rose rapidly from that moment on, and he eventually made his first team debut a few months later in the annual pre season showpiece; the Community Shield. It wasn't until a year or so later in the 2003/04 season where Wenger gave him a chance in central defence alongside England international Sol Campbell though. But it was here where the colossus that was Arsene Wenger's Invicibles really took off, as for the first time there was a the perfect blend of defensive grit and determination coupled with attacking prowess, creativity and dynamism. The midfield was the perfect combination of strength and size with touch and movement. It just worked, for everyone including Toure.
Battling with Philippe Senderos and Pascal Cygan for the spot alongside Campbell the following season, 04/05 was more of an in and out job for the tough Ivorian but he did grab his first European goal that season in the Champions League last 16 tie against Bayern Munich. A tie that the Gunners went on to lose.
During the next season, Toure and his colleagues were well and truly tested once again as they reached the Champions League final in Paris against favourites Barcelona. Toure scored in the semi final tie against Villareal and went on to start the final but Arsenal sadly went on to lose. Toure wouldn't be deterred.
He was handed the coveted number five shirt the following season (06/07) and went on to sign a new four year deal just as the season began. Developing into a real powerhouse and defensive leader, the quiet but assertive Ivorian was named third in command to club captain Thierry Henry and midfield stalwart Gilberto Silva. And just a year later, in the summer of 2007, he suddenly became the club's longest serving player after Henry, Ljungberg and Aliadière all departed in quick succession.
The arrival of new central defensive partner William Gallas was sadly the start of a downward spiral of bitterness not just with Toure but throughout the club. Gallas was more of a whinging captain than a verbal leader. He had the big 'I am' about him and ultimately ruined that period for Arsene Wenger and the club. Kolo Toure wasn't silly, he knew to prolong his career he had to get away from Gallas and as tough as it was to see (and hear about), he reportedly handed in a transfer request in April 2009. Although this was denied at the time, he left a few months later in the off season and signed for Manchester City, one of the first real pieces to their vastly built revolution.
Irrespective of his move to City and the steps he took after Arsenal, he was loyal, courageous and determined to give his all for the badge. Arsene Wenger and Arsenal were a huge part of his career and ultimately, his life. He won three major honours with the Gunners and played in a Champions League final. But for a red card to Jens Lehmann and that could have ended a lot different for everyone, not just Toure.
But beyond the titles, the leadership and the defensive grit, he was and still is a winner. He's won on the international stage and continued to win on the domestic stage after his Arsenal days. Above all though, he is an invincible. An invincible defender and part of the greatest team in Premier League history and a feat that will never be repeated again.
Kolo Toure, from two footing Arsene Wenger to invincible champion.
@craigbennett10
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