Elder Statesman

Kolo Toure is is enjoying life at Celtic and is keen to pass on his experience to the younger players at the club.

KOLO Toure is on a mission in Paradise: to ensure the club’s young players follow the right path in their football careers.

The central defender has never forgotten the help he received from experienced pros when he arrived at Arsenal as 20-year-old novice in 2002.

International stars like Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Kanu took Toure under their wing and showed him what was required to make the grade at the top level.

Now he wants to take on a similar function at Celtic and prevent the many young talents in the squad from making the wrong decisions at such a crucial juncture in their life. It’s a role he’s relishing.

Amid the mentoring, however, the 35-year-old is also determined to achieve success on the field for the Scottish champions. He may be in the latter stages of a distinguished career but, make no mistake, the former Ivory Coast internationalist is highly-motivated about these fresh challenges, and he’s already made a positive impact on and off the field at the Hoops.

Happy to take time out of his busy schedule, Toure sat down with the View at Lennox town to reflect on the opening weeks of his Celtic adventure.

How have you enjoyed life at Celtic so far?

I have found it really interesting. This is a big club with a big support. The first few weeks have been really good, to be honest, and there is a good mentality and good people around the club. I have really enjoyed it and I’m very happy to be here.

Has anything surprised you about Celtic and Scottish football?