Kolo Touré has revealed he would love to remain at Anfield beyond this season labelling Liverpool as "one of the best clubs in England."

The centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season but is hoping that his willingness to sacrifice himself will earn him a fourth season on Merseyside.

With the Ivorian expected to feature against former team Arsenal tonight, the player has become a fans' favourite throughout his time with the Reds.

The defender earned yet more admiration recently as showcased his dedication to the club in a fighting performance at Stoke City with the highlight of an excellent block tackle that supporters have nicknamed the "salmon tackle." 

He said that he would "love" to be remain "a part of Jürgen Klopp's plans" and insisted that's why he made such a committed tackle, in trying to show that he is committed and keen to stay at the club, which he said is "one of the best" in England and "amazing."

Touré has featured just nine times for the Reds this season but has been given a major opportunity to impress and earn a new contract thanks to the unfortunate injury crisis that has seen Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel ruled out for an extended period.

The veteran defender himself has only just recovered from a cramp injury that kept him out of the FA Cup fixture with Exeter City but should be back to feature against the Gunners.

Defender on playing through the pain

Touré injured himself after performing his unconventional challenge but opted to stay on the field despite being impaired by cramp, citing his mentality as an important factor. 

He said that is what you "need to have as a defender" and called it one of the "most important" qualities to have at a big club, saying you "have to fight every single day" and "not only in games but from the very start of training every day." 

Toure said he was "proud" of his eccentric tackle but claimed that the most important part of football for him was just "enjoying every second."

He passed a fitness test earlier this week to be in contention to start against the Gunners, and with Frenchman Mamadou Sakho's fitness uncomfirmed it may fall to the former invincible to lead the Liverpool back-four with only youngster Tiago Ilori and new loan-signing Steven Caulker as further possibilities to partner him

Ivorian eager to feature more regularly despite age

With Touré featuring sparsely over the past two seasons it is evident that the defender will be desiring more first team action, having only played three minutes of Premier League football this season. 

When questioned whether his lack of playing time frustrated him he said: "To be honest, yes." 

The player says he "wishes he could play more" but understands that at a club like Liverpool, promoting their younger players will be seen as much more important.

He called it "normal" for it to be like this and insisted that he, and several others, "have to be patient" and know that their "time will come" eventually.

Many fans will be hoping that the centre-back will get the chance to add to his 61 appearances that he has already notched up for the reds, but with his 35th birthday fast approaching and Liverpool reportedly agreeing a deal to sign 24-year-old centre-back Joel Matip from FC Schalke, the writing may be on the wall for the two-time Premier League winner.

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]