• Premier League

Toure targets full-time role at Liverpool

ESPN staff
July 3, 2013
Kolo Toure is determined to establish himself in Liverpool's starting line-up © Getty Images
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Kolo Toure believes his move to Liverpool will give him the opportunity to re-establish a reputation as one of the Premier League's foremost centre-backs.

The 32-year-old completed his free transfer switch from Manchester City, which had been agreed in May, when the transfer window opened on July 1.

The former Arsenal player was captain Vincent Kompany's deputy in his final two seasons at the Etihad Stadium, when he only started 18 league games, but has set his sights on playing regular first-team football at Anfield.

"Liverpool have given me the chance to show that at 32 I'm still one of the best defenders, and I will fight for that," he told his new club's official website.

"These past two years of being 'part-time' have helped me refresh and be more hungry."

Toure has arrived as the replacement for the retired Jamie Carragher and becomes one of four centre-backs contesting two places in Brendan Rodgers' team, along with Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates.

He added: "I am used to competition. When I came into Arsenal the competition was Sol Campbell, Martin Keown, Tony Adams -- it was hard competition. The only way to improve a team is to make players fight for their place."

Toure has been given the No. 4 shirt at Anfield and was pleasantly surprised when a club of Liverpool's stature came in for him.

He explained: "When you get to 32 it's always difficult to find a big, big club like Liverpool. For me it's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it.

"I will do my best. I will fight and do everything to show that I am still a good player. The club is massive and the history of the club is amazing."

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