African defender leaving Eastlands

Manchester City fans were left devastated by the news that Kolo Toure will be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer. The Ivorian defender confirmed to Sky Sports that he doesn’t envisage being at the club next season, ’in two months nothing his come from the club and I am thinking about my future definitely.’ The loss of Toure’s footballing abilities may not be of primary concern to fans of the Manchester club, their overwhelming worry may lie in the redundant future of the ’Kolo, Kolo, Yaya, Yaya’ chant.

Kolo may have been condemned to his brother’s shadows in recent seasons, but has represented City almost 100 times (96) since signing from Arsenal for £16.5million in 2009. Whilst at Arsenal, the now 32-year-old harnessed his exceptional physical capabilities to form a solid partnership with Sol Campbell, ensuring Arsenal went through the entire 2003-2004 season unbeaten. Toure has also been capped in excess of 100 occasions by Ivory Coast, and having featured in African Nation Cup’s, World Cup’s and the Champions League has a multitude of experience.

Mancini, presuming he is spared the axe, will spend a summer reshaping his squad as they look to regain domestic dominance from Manchester United, as well as making drastic improvements in their recent European record. Toure is likely to be one of several players to leave the club, with Lescott, Dzeko and Maicon amongst others tipped to be moved on. The former Arsenal defender, with an apparent desire to stay in England, would represent a great addition to any middle team Premier League club. 

Michael Dobson

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