Kolo Touré: "I Will Keep Fighting for the Club"

Kolo Touré is one the most loveable Liverpool players around and has been a wonderful presence since his arrival from Manchester City on a free transfer in 2013. The veteran defender turns 35 next month and looks certain to move on this summer with the impending arrival of Joël Matip. In fact, Touré might not be the only senior centre back to be pushed out by the relatively young Schalke 04 stalwart. The future, however, doesn't appear to be that high on the Liverpool defender's agenda.

"The future is not the most important thing for me," the experienced defender said. "What's important is what's happening right now. I'm in the team at the moment and I am showing every game that I'm still here. It doesn't matter what other people say, I have this smile, I'm very happy and I always give 100% for this club. This club is amazing.

"If I keep performing that will force people to change their minds (about a new contract). Sometimes you can make people change their minds by performing well and that's my challenge right now.

"I can show people by my games that I'm still a top player. That's all I can do. I am a fighter and I will fight until the end."

With the domestic and international experience of Martin Škrtel, Dejan Lovren, and Mamadou Sakho, Liverpool should not lack experience in Touré's absence. The Bundesliga, international football with Cameroon, and six consecutive seasons of continental football have provided Joël Matip with enough experience as a defender in his mid-twenties. Although the future is uncertain, Liverpool's most senior player is grateful for what has been a fulfilling experience at one of Europe's most storied clubs.

"I am 34 and playing for one of the best clubs in England," he said. "They love me and every day they sing my song, even when I wasn't playing a lot. This is really special and I will keep fighting for them and I will keep fighting for the club.

"Every game is very important when you are getting old! I keep putting in the performances on the pitch and I'm pleased. Every time I wear this shirt I will give everything I have got.

"This is a fantastic club. A new manager has come in and we will see what happens. I don't want to think about the future yet. I've not had any offers for next season yet. If I keep playing like I am at the moment then I'm sure doors will open for me."

Whatever happens, Kolo Touré is the type of player and personality that the club should look to keep a close relationship with in the future. With a few months to go before the end of the season, it might be too early to count out a player who is determined to "take it game by game" until the season wraps up. For now Kolo is here, and it's great to know that he's one of ours.