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Why I had to leave: Kolo Toure reveals time on Manchester City’s bench was damaging his international chances

By Mancunian Matters staff

Kolo Toure claims he left Manchester City because he feared his time on the bench was having a negative effect on his national team chances.

The Ivory Coast defender left City for Liverpool on a free transfer in July and has already made an impressive start on the other side of the North West.

The 32-year-old admitted that issues with his fitness was a factor in keeping him off the pitch for the Blues and the fresh start at Anfield was just what he needed.

“I had to take time and start playing again because when you don’t play for your club it is very difficult to play for your national team,” he told PA.

“You need to be fit to play and I wasn’t playing a lot for City but this is a new start for me now and I am playing for a great club.”

The defender now hopes his new found form can be replicated on the international stage.

“I hope my national team will go to the World Cup, which will be very important,” he said.

Image courtesy of MCFCtv via YouTube, with thanks.

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