Kolo: The Kop knows about football
Kolo Toure is eager to repay Liverpool fans for the warm welcome they have granted him since he arrived on Merseyside - by guiding the Reds to success this season.
The Ivorian made his debut at Anfield last week during the Reds' thrilling 1-0 victory over Stoke and was a commanding presence during the win over Aston Villa on Saturday - scooping the official LFC Man of the Match in our @LFC Twitter poll.
He announced himself to the Kop with a towering header to beat Peter Crouch after minutes of play in the season opener, and he was the first to celebrate with 'keeper Simon Mignolet following the Belgian's last-gasp heroics.
Toure admits he was bowled over by the reception he received from the home crowd during the game - and the support from travelling Kopites since.
"I have been made to feel so welcome here," Toure said. "To hear the Kop signing my name already was so nice. It showed that these fans know about football.
"They know about players who want to give 100 per cent and fight for their club every time they play.
"This is a top club, one of the best in the world, and these fans are top fans, they know quality when they see it. I want to do well for them and make this a season to remember."
Toure's experience in the game was one of the key reasons behind Brendan Rodgers' decision to bring him to Liverpool after Jamie Carragher retired in May this year.
The centre-back has won league titles at both Arsenal and Manchester City - but he's still committed to improving his game, even at the age of 32.
"I've been in this league for nearly 11 years and for me nothing changes," he said.
"The only way to improve is to work hard and be professional. I've always given 100 per cent throughout my career and I'm always looking for ways to improve.
"City is gone, it's finished. The future is the most important thing and I'm focused on what I'm doing for Liverpool.
"They have given me a great chance to come here and play fantastic football with one of the best managers. I will enjoy every second of my time here and try to help the team."
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