New Signing Toure talks up Liverpool's European dream

11 July 2013 08:47

New Liverpool defender Kolo Toure hopes he can play a major part in helping the club regain its Champions League status.

The Ivory Coast international played in the competition with Arsenal and Manchester City, although last season he was left out of the European squad by then manager Roberto Mancini. Having arrived at Anfield on a free transfer after his contract expired in Manchester he is looking to secure a return to Europe's premier club competition.

"Last season I didn't play, I was out of the (Champions League) squad," he said. "It has been a tough time but this season is going to be a great season for Liverpool. To be part of the team who can bring the club back to the Champions League would be amazing. That's what I'm looking for."

Toure continued: "I would like to be remembered as someone who did very well and that is why I am here. At the moment Liverpool are not in the top four but they have the history, the quality, the players and the mentality as well.

"This club is a winning club and I want to be part of history here, that's why I came - to try to build the team as far as we can, to be top four or to win a trophy.

"We just want to win trophies and want to play in the Champions League as well. There are a lot of good teams out there but with the squad we've got, we have great players and a great mentality here, we can do very well this season."

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has signed Toure to add more experience to his defence, a role Jamie Carragher was asked to perform having been reinstated in the second half of the season prior to his retirement.

"Of course my experience is going to be important. I know Jamie Carragher was a really important player for this football club," Toure added.

"He's retired now and Liverpool had to look for somebody who can replace him. I'm the one and it's a big honour. He has been a fantastic player for England and this football club. He was a great leader. What I will try to do is not going to be easy, but I will do my best."

Fellow new signing Simon Mignolet is also confident the club can make the top four again. His first task may be to displace Jose Reina as first-choice goalkeeper but he knows the bigger picture is to regain Champions League status. Mignolet said: "For me it's a big step forward. I spoke to the manager and he told me that it's going to be a big step forward."

Source: PA