Kolo Abib Touré (born March 19, 1981 in Sokoura Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire), is an Ivorian footballer. He currently plays for Arsenal F.C. in England.
Kolo Touré is listed at 1.83m and 76kg. He makes up for a lack of size with an impressive vertical leap, making him strong in the air. He is also blessed with blistering speed. He is regarded as the second fastest player at Arsenal, slower only than Thierry Henry. Touré is also considered very consistent and very durable, with few long term injuries.
Touré joined Arsenal in February 2002 from ASEC Mimosas for £150,000, after impressing on trial, However, he did not make his debut for the first team until August of that year, against Liverpool F.C. in the FA Community Shield. Initially regarded as a 'utility man', he started his Arsenal career at right-back. However, the ageing Martin Keown was never properly replaced in the transfer market and Touré was announced as the new starting central defender.
Touré quickly established himself as one of the best center backs in the Premiership. He is now a first-choice member of the team, part of a solid defensive partnership with Sol Campbell. Since Campbell's injury, he played alongside Philippe Senderos; both centre backs had immaculate form, helping Arsenal regain the prowess it had in the previous season (when they were undefeated in Premiership play).
Kolo has two brothers who plays football as well Yaya Toure & Ibrahim Toure. He has played for the Côte d'Ivoire national football team since 2000.
