And after meeting his new teammates the Blues’ most recent acquisition is aware that his ‘amour’ is not of the unrequited type.
At his first open press conference today the 28-year-old Ivorian international likened being at City to having the love of a good woman.
It was a surreal moment that had the audience, including boss Mark Hughes, in fits of laughter but Toure clearly meant what he said. He has fallen for the Blues head over heels.
And Hughes revealed that even if his quest for John Terry had failed he would have pursued his long term interest in Kolo who he is says in an ‘A’ Listed performer.
He has already been mightily impressed with what he has seen from a man who demanded to train within minutes of his contract being signed late on Wednesday night.
“I have already viewed what qualities Kolo has at first hand. We are absolutely delighted he is here and he is going to be a top player for us,” reckoned the manager.
“I would say that Kolo would have been here even if we had been successful in signing John Terry. There is no difference in the quality of the players we have targeted. We have a list of category A players who we feel are of the type to enable us to be successful in the future. John Terry was on that list and Kolo was very much on it too. We don’t move down a list we move from one player to another on that same level.
“Kolo has illustrated to everyone how much he is delighted to be here and it is reciprocated because he is not just a top quality player with undoubted talent but he is very vocal and his communication skills are great. He wants to do well and show it on the training pitch.
“The experience that he has of winning things will be invaluable to us.
“Like the other signings he is not here for the money. These guys are all wealthy individuals. It is about ambition, stimulation and giving them a challenge that they can be really excited about.
“We feel we have strengthened in all areas now. The whole dynamic of the group has changed; with the arrival of players this summer it has gone up to a whole new level.”
Toure admitted he doesn’t know how far that level will take the team but is sure it will be higher than last season.
“We can be contenders,” he insisted. “The target for the season is to be as high as we can. What we need to do is work every day. I have seen that there is competition for places just from training this morning. We have lots of quality.
City showed that they really wanted me and I am really happy. When you love a woman and you get love back you are really happy and that is how I feel about being at City!
Kolo Toure
