The Kolo Toure Appreciation Thread

[Scally]

Thanks for giving you're all in an Arsenal shirt Kolo. You will definately be remembered as one of the good ones!

http://www.oleole.com/media/main/images/member_photos/group1/subgrp446/kingkolo_161756.jpg

[Rewinder]

Farewell King Kolo

[gunner7]

The invincibles are now all gone :(

[generals soccer]

So long Kolo. Thanks for the memories.

[KirbyNYC]

I might have to change my signature soon, but not yet. Not yet.

Thank you for all your hard work, your passion, and at times being the only guy that truly enjoys playing on that pitch.

Good Luck King Kolo. You ma boy!

[DaPrince84]

I posted this in the other thread

funny Kolo story

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/alansmith/2350116/Toure-stands-tall-in-Arsenals-defence.html

There is a great story about Kolo Toure dating back to the day he first turned up for a trial at Arsenal's training ground where Arsene Wenger had organised a special session – attack against defence – to put the lad through his paces.

With the session underway, it didn't take long for the triallist to make his mark. Tracking Thierry Henry, he ploughed into the back of Arsenal's star striker to leave him in a heap. Next up was Dennis Bergkamp. Toure got the ball alright but, in his haste to impress, he also took out the Dutchman, again leaving his opponent writhing on the deck.

Martin Keown walked across for a quick word. "Calm down," urged the experienced defender. "Try to stay on your feet." The advice, it seems, didn't do much good. Soon after, the Ivory Coast defender intercepted a pass and saw the ball spin high into the air. With eyes for nothing else, Toure intently followed its path as, unbeknown to him, the ball headed straight towards Wenger standing on the touchline.

Just as the Arsenal manager went to control it, Toure – you've guessed it – thunders in to leave the Frenchman in agony and everyone else in stitches.

In the treatment room afterwards, the injured party gingerly applies an ice pack to his sore ankle. "You OK boss?" asks one of his players, trying not to laugh. "Yes, yes," Wenger replies. "Good tackler isn't he. I like that. We sign him."

When reminded of this incident yesterday, Toure starts chuckling away; one of those moments, clearly, he will never be allowed to forget.

"Titi (Thierry) always says that he's going to put that in his book. I was really concentrating that day and anybody in front of me was going to get tackled. I was so nervous because I really wanted to play for this club."

[phishy]

arguably my favourite player to wear the shirt.

i suppose that says enough.

[Rewinder]

The interview where they asked him who he scored his first goal against is probably one of my favorite Toure moments.

[KirbyNYC]

YouTube - Kolo Toure interview

[4_Arsenal]

Sad day. It'll be weird to not see him in that back line. Good business, but not so happy on the destination. Real City might make a push this season. Or maybe they'll just buy the trophy. Might be easier! We'll miss you King Kolo!

[FabregasTED]

I know this move was probably for the best, as the money being thrown around right now is astronomical... but damn this one hurts.

Gonna miss you Kolo. In an era when players leave themselves open to criticism, you never failed to give your all for the badge.

Thanks.

[tpjkevin]

And with that, the last Invincible is gone.

I'll miss seeing him coming out on the field in the red and white. It's been a great 7 years, Kolo. You have been a faithful player for The Arsenal.

[gunner7]

Thank You for all the good memories!

Wish you well, but not aganist us

[jestanley]

In my nearly three years of lurking on this board, I've never felt an incredibly strong urge to add anything. (You guys cover most things pretty well, I must say.) But I want to express my thanks for King Kolo's service and bid farewell to the last of The Invincibles. I hope he gets a warm welcome in April when we're competing for the title and Citeh are sitting 4th, ahead of United. (Ha.)

[DougG_ATL]

And with that, the last Invincible is gone.

I'll miss seeing him coming out on the field in the red and white. It's been a great 7 years, Kolo. You have been a faithful player for The Arsenal.

Agreed. Kolo was classy on and off the pitch and a vital Gunner. I'll always respect him...but man, I can't wait to beat the snot out of Citeh.

[GunneRy]

http://www.fanchants.com/football-songs/arsenal-chants/kolo-toure/

Most likeable Gunner in my 9 years of supporting the club. He's just doubled his wages, so God bless him.

[voltman]

Kolo!

[wanye_stirrear]

Good luck (except against us) Kolo. I loved your positive energy and attitude. Besides the time when you got really drunk and handed in a transfer request, you always have been a great ambassador for the club. You'll be missed more than most.

[goonsquad]

Gonna miss him...every player I put on a shirt I buy leaves.:o

Dennis (retirement is ok ;)) Thierry, Patrick, the Cvnt, and now Kolo! I'd love to wish him good luck, but given that he's at a rival, I hope he sucks it up! Still love the man tho.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/387786337_7545065e23.jpg?v=0

[Silva 5]

Thanks for all the fond memories Kolo.

One of my favorite players since supporting the club. One of a kind defender. I'm really going to miss him. He gets my best wishes.