Kolo Toure has been named as Ivory Coast assistant

NATIONAL DUTY

Celtic technical assistant Kolo Toure named as Ivory Coast assistant manager

Scott MacArthur

Published: 11:10, 6 Oct 2017
Updated: 12:19, 6 Oct 2017

KOLO TOURE has been named as Ivory Coast's new assistant manager.

The former Celtic defender retired in the summer before returning to Parkhead as technical assistant.

But now the ex-Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool star has accepted an offer to help coaching in international football.

The 36-year-old was recently named as head coach of his country's Olympic squad but he will partner Marc Wilmots at The Elephants as they aim to book their place in next year's World Cup.

Speaking on his return to Celtic, Toure branded Brendan Rodgers as one of the 'greatest' managers in the world'.

Toure played under Rodgers at Liverpool before joining up with him in Glasgow.

Toure returned to Celtic as technical assistantCredit: Les Gallagher - The Sun Glasgow

Kolo Toure during his playing career with Ivoru Coast - now he will be part of their coaching staffCredit: Gallo Images - Getty

And he revealed the 44-year-old played a big part in his return to Parkhead as a coach.

He said: "It was quite simple. Of course I had a few offers still to carry on playing.

“But when you have been at the top level for big clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Celtic, for me to keep playing is good and it was difficult to say I had to stop playing, as I have done it for the last 20 years.

“But you get to the point where you have to move on.

Toure has a strong relationship with Brendan RodgersCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

Former Liverpool defender Kolo Toure is now working alongside former boss Brendan RodgersCredit: EPA

“I’ve been working with one of the best young managers in the world for the last few years and our relationship has been really good.

“It is the chance to learn with a guy such as Brendan and it is fantastic. I’m working with one of the best clubs in Europe. Celtic are massive and for me to be able to work with a great club like this is a huge privilege.

Kolo Toure played for three of the biggest clubs in England in Arsenal, Manchester City and EnglandCredit: Action Images - Reuters

“To be able to work with Brendan’s staff, Chris Davies, John Kennedy, Stevie Woods, they are great guys and I’m learning an unbelievable amount from them every day.

“This is a new challenge in my life, a new opportunity with a great club, an excellent manager and great people.”