Ivory Coast’s Kolo Toure Confirms International Retirement

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has confirmed his retirement from international football with Ivory Coast, a week after helping the Elephants to a Nations Cup triumph, reports The BBC.

The 33-year had indicated that the recent competition in Equatorial Guinea would be his last for his country.

Toure, who made his debut against Rwanda in April 2000, played in all six matches as the Ivorians secured their second African title after a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout win over Ghana in the final.

“I do love my country and especially love football, but at some point, there comes a time to stop”

Speaking to the local media in Abidjan, Toure said: “It is with great emotion that I inform you that it is time to say goodbye.”

“My goal was to win the Africa Cup of Nations and I must admit that it was a very difficult decision to make.
“I do love my country and especially love football, but at some point, there comes a time to stop.”