Kolo Toure retires from international football

LIVERPOOL defender Kolo Toure has confirmed his retirement from international football with Ivory Coast, a week after helping the Elephants to a Nations Cup triumph.

The 33-year-old had indicated that the recent competition in Equatorial Guinea would be his last for his country.

Toure, who made his debut against Rwanda in April 2000, played in all six matches as the Ivorians secured their second African title after a dramatic 9-8 penalty shoot-out win over Ghana in the final.

Speaking to the local media in Abidjan, Toure said: “It is with great emotion that I inform you that it is time to say goodbye.

“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.”

Toure was part of Ivory Coast’s 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup squads, but played in only one match at last summer’s finals in Brazil, in the final group game against Greece.

He also played in seven Africa Cup of Nations, losing two finals on penalties – to Egypt in 2006 and to Zambia in 2012.

“Sometimes it plays in your mind, but with this incredible success you have to forget the past and enjoy the moment,” he said.