Kolo Toure says he « couldn’t be happier » after returning to Celtic to join the club’s coaching staff as a technical assistant.
Toure, 36, made 17 appearances for Celtic last season before ending his playing career to focus on coaching.
« This is a new chapter in my career, a new beginning. The football is over now, » Toure told the Celtic website.
« I can officially say I am retired from playing and now I am fully concentrating on coaching. »
In his new role, the former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City defender will be « supporting on all first-team coaching matters » and using his knowledge to assist Celtic’s various youth levels.
‘Learn so much from Brendan Rodgers’
After taking up a coaching role with the Ivory Coast national set-up in the summer, Toure is relishing his coaching opportunity in the Scottish Premiership.
« For me, there is no big change in terms of what I will be doing, » he said. « I have always been the kind of player who tries to help those around me.
« Now I will try to give advice, help the young players and just guide them and pass on all the experience I have acquired during my career. »
Toure had gained some coaching experience in the second half of last season at Celtic and is eager for more.
« I can learn so much from working with Brendan Rodgers, » he said. « He is a top manager. I will be working with him and his staff very closely each day.
« He is one of the best young managers in the world right now.
Celtic assistant Kolo Toure
Toure made 17 appearances for Celtic before calling time on his playing career
« What he’s doing for Celtic is there for all to see. He’s doing amazingly right now. »
Manager Rodgers said Toure was a welcome addition to his coaching staff.
« This is great news for Celtic that we are able to bring a man of Kolo’s experience into our coaching team, » the Celtic manager said.
« In everything he does, he is quite simply a fantastic example to anyone.
« He has worked at the top of the game for so many years and he has all the qualities which any player of any age should aspire to.
« He is a fantastic role model for our younger players and someone who has a level of experience and knowledge which can only be invaluable to our established players. »
