Kolo Toure has called time on his playing career, taking up a coaching role with Celtic.
Now 36, the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender has been made Technical Assistant with the Scottish champions – a role which will see him supporting Brendan Rodgers with first-team coaching matters and helping the club’s youth teams.
Toure joined Celtic in the summer of 2016, reuniting with Rodgers, who he had played under during his time at Liverpool. Having made 17 appearances for Celtic last season, it was initially thought that Toure had hoped to prolong his playing career this campaign. However, with his new role confirmed, the Ivorian made clear that he was now concentrating all of his efforts on his coaching career.
Great news! #CelticFC welcome Kolo Toure back to the Club as Technical Assistant.
➡️ https://t.co/7fsruOGmTi pic.twitter.com/4Pjr8AIECI
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 15, 2017
“I couldn’t be happier to be back at this great club,” Toure explained.
“This is a new chapter in my career, a new beginning. The football is over now. I can officially say I am retired from playing and now I am fully concentrating on coaching.
“For me there is no big change in terms of what I will be doing. I have always been the kind of player who tries to help those around me.
“Now I will try to give advice, help the young players and just guide them and pass on all the experience I have acquired during my career.”
