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Despite reports out of Turkey suggesting a fee had been agreed and that a deal was imminent, Kolo Toure insists he has no desire to move to Trabzonspor. The defender, while confirming that an offer had been made, insists that he want to stay at Liverpool.
"Trabzonspor are interested, but I told them I want to be a Liverpool player," he said. "I had talks with the coach, who reiterated his trust in me for what I bring to the group, and he wants to keep me to cope with all the competitions Liverpool is involved in. I think that's the truth.
"There's always the choice of joining a club in a lower league for more playing time, but I am a competitor and have decided to stay at Liverpool. The situation can maybe change, but for now, I repeat, I am a Liverpool player and I want to carry on with the club."
Toure arrived last summer from Manchester City on a free, and many expected he would play out his two-year contract before heading off next summer. And though the reported €2M fee would have made for a small profit, it's hardly a profit Liverpool were in desperate need of.
Given that, it's not hugely surprising to think that Brendan Rodgers might value having Toure at the club at least as much as receiving any fee that might be brought in by his sale. Toure, meanwhile, claims he's feeling fit physically and up for any challenge.
"I feel good physically," he said. "At 33 years of age I am still ready for any challenge because I have been spared from serious injuries throughout my career. I continue to work hard in training to keep up, and that's why the coach wants to keep me. Because I am a fighter."
Now, though, the question is where that fighting spirit leaves an overcrowded backline when most expected two of Toure, Sebastian Coates, and Daniel Agger to depart before the close of the transfer window.
