PERHAPS the only think more impressive than Kolo Toure’s enthusiasm during his media unveiling at Celtic Park yesterday was his humility.
The defender may have become something of a cult figure in recent years but his CV alone commands respect; long spells with three of the biggest clubs in Europe, two English league titles, three FA Cups, a Champions League runners-up medal, and 118 caps for the Ivory Coast that includes winning last year’s African Cup of Nations. It is quite the haul.
Read more: Kolo Toure: Celtic can become The Invincibles too
With that all in the bag and having turned 35 a few months ago, many players would be of a mind to call it a day or at least start winding down. Toure, though, gave the impression that he was not considering either.
He spoke warmly about being reunited with Brendan Rodgers, his manager at Liverpool, and seemed genuinely thrilled about having signed for Celtic, especially when there were offers to extend his time in England. 
He will, of course, ultimately be judged on how he performs on the field but both his pedigree and attitude spoke of a player determined to make the most of a fresh opportunity.
“I am looking forward to it, definitely, because the story of this club is massive,” he said. “I have been at other clubs that have a history as well. I left a great club [in Liverpool] and I'm joining another great club. If you are linked with a club like Celtic you would be really happy as a football player. For me, when I heard that I was really happy but at the same time, by joining Brendan Rodgers it was something really special as well.
“There was a chance to stay in England but for me to join a club like this and with a manager who has been good to me was important. I also want to see something else as well. I have been in the UK for 14 years and to come to another country and play in another league was important. It is great because there is no massive change – my family will still enjoy it here because it is English-speaking and that was important.”
He has not travelled with the team to Kazakhstan for the Champions League qualifying first leg against Astana but the chance to, hopefully, play in the group stage once more is something else that excites him.
“The Champions League, what more can you ask? If you have the chance to play in the Champions league with a club like Celtic you just enjoy that. I am just preparing myself to be ready for the second leg. I want to be available for the manager that is the first thing. Any time he calls me I want to be ready to help the team. That is why I am here – to help the team get better outside the pitch and inside the pitch.”
Further down the line – on September 10 to be exact – there will be a chance to experience his first Old Firm derby. His eyes lit up at the prospect, having watched the fixture in the past on television and been enchanted by the atmosphere.
“I am looking forward to it. I have played in a few big derbies in the Premier League but this one is really special. I’ve watched it on TV and it is really amazing. I will make sure I’m prepared for it. When I watched it, I just thought “Wow!” It was unbelievable. Even just watching on TV, you can feel it. So if I’m able to get on the pitch and feel it, it is going to be massive for me.”
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