Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure is a powerful central defender who joined Manchester City from Arsenal during the 2009 close season. 

He arrived at Highbury in February 2002 and initially featured as an attacking midfielder and at left back before settling in to the centre of the defence. Kolo quickly established a reputation as a consistent performer, comfortable when playing alongside a variety of partners and also providing a useful threat when moving forward to assist in attack. 

He gained a Premier League champions’ medal in 2003-04 and two FA Cup winners’ medals during his stay at North London. 

After signing for City Kolo was immediately appointed team captain and proved to be both physically strong and deceptively quick. He continued to be a key member of the side in 2010-11 as the Blues moved up the table, however in March he received a six-month suspension, thus ending his season early. 

Kolo has been capped over 80 times by Ivory Coast, and featured in the squad for the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup finals in 2010.