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Former Ivory Coast star Kolo Touré lands a new coaching job

English club Wigan Athletic have announced the appointment of former Ivory Coast international Kolo Touré as their new head coach.

Touré joins the Championship side from Leicester City where he was the first team coach.

The 41-year-old joins Wigan, competing in the Championship, [second-tier league in England] on a three-and-a half-year deal.

Touré is set to immediately jet off to Turkey to meet up with the team, who are currently on a mid-season training camp.

NEW CHALLENGE EXCITES KOLO TOURE

The former Arsenal and Manchester City player said he was excited to be starting a new challenge in his managerial career.

“I would like to thank all of the fans, players and staff of Leicester City Football Club, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Susan Whelan, Jon Rudkin and of course Brendan Rodgers for making me feel so welcome for so many years,” he said.

“The experiences that I have amassed under Brendan Rodgers have been invaluable and I’m sure they will help me in this next chapter of my career. 

Kolo Toure and Brendan Rodgers during their stint at Leicester City
Kolo Toure and Brendan Rodgers

“I am extremely proud to be named Manager of Wigan Athletic. Wigan Athletic is a big club with hugely passionate fans. Together, we can continue to make the right steps forward,” added Touré.

“I’m excited to work with this talented group of players and staff, and immensely look forward to my time ahead.”

His first official match will be away to Millwall on Saturday, 10 December.

ILLUSTRIOUS PLAYING CAREER

Touré started his playing career at Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas in 1999. He later went on to move to play at Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Celtic FC.

He also boost 120 caps for the the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

The former defender made more than 500 senior appearances over a 15-year period, with an honours list that includes two Premier League titles. Toure also won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) back in 2015.

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