New Gunners deal for Toure
Toure has pledged his future to the north London club
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Tuesday, 24, Oct 2006 08:23
Kolo Toure's impressive performances at the heart of Arsenal's defence have been rewarded with a new "long-term" deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Although the club have declined to release details as to how long the agreement will keep Toure in north London, there seems little chance that he might be tempted elsewhere.
"I can see myself staying here [at Arsenal] for the rest of my career," the Ivorian international said to the club's official site.
"Why would I want to leave? I love my football here, my family is settled here and the club is ambitious. It is fantastic," he added.
A bargain £150,000 buy from Ivory Coast side Asec Minmosas in February 2002, the 25-year centre-back has established himself as one of the finest defenders in the Premiership and one of manager Arsene Wenger's most astute transfer coups.
His fine form of last season culminated in an imperious performance in the Champions League final, shackling the Barcelona front duo of Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho for much of the game, and his first World Cup appearances for his country.