"I love my country but there comes a time to stop" Kolo Toure confirms international retirement

One week after winning his first African Cup of Nations trophy, Ivory Coast international, Kolo Toure has announced his retirement from international duties.

The Liverpool defender who has played in 3 World Cups and 7 African Cup of Nations told Côte D’ivoirian media



“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.”



He continued, “Having lost the last two African Cup of Nations finals Kolo Toure knew the third final against joint favourites Ghana would be tough. Sometimes it plays in your mind, but with this incredible success you have to forget the past and enjoy the moment,”

Photo: Yaya and Kolo Touré at their brother's funeral

The remains of Ibrahim Touré who passed on on June 19 in Manchester after a battle with cancer was committed to mother earth July 4 in the Williamsville cemetery, Abidjan. Present were the entire Touré family including his brothers Yaya and Kolo, friends and representatives of the Ivorian football community.

Manchester City prevented me from seeing my dying brother- Yaya Toure

There’s no way one can ever fully express the pain of losing a loved one. Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure who is still grieving over the loss of his younger brother, Ibrahim Toure Yaya Toure has claimed that Manchester City denied him time to see his dying brother.
The Ivory Coast international wrote in a column in France Football magazine. “At the end of the season, I wanted to stay four or five days with my brother before flying to prepare the World Cup with Ivory Coast but City did not wish to grant me those few days. I went to celebrate the title in Abu Dhabi while my brother was dying in his bed. Fortunately, Kolo was at his bedside. Afterwards, I regretted that I had not insisted. However, City executives knew that I was suffering.”
Ibrahim Toure died of cancer in Manchester last Thursday. He was aged 28. At the time of his death, none of his brothers were with him, they were in Brazil for the FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Manchester City has refused to make comments on his remarks.

Sad! Yaya and Kolo Toure lose brother

very devastating news! Ibrahim Toure; (pictured above) the younger brother to Ivory Coast players, the younger brother to Yaya and Kolo Toure, has passed on. He died yesterday 19th June in Manchester, United Kingdom. The Lebanese team Al-Safa SC player was aged 28.

A statement from the Ivorian FA reads, “The football Ivory Coast federation president (FIF) and the Executive Comitee announced to the entire family of Ivorian football the death of Toure Oyala Ibrahim, the younger brother of Toure Kolo Abib and Toure Yaya Gnegneri, which happened on the 19th of June in Manchester (England).

“In such a sad situation, the players from the Ivory Coast national team, and the entire delegation here in Brazil, show their support to the Toure brothers and their whole family. The president of Football Ivory Coast Federation and the Executive Comitee ask Ivorians for their prayers.”

May his soul find repose and may God comfort the ones he left behind.

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