Ivory Coast Defender Kolo Toure: African Cup Of Nations Should Be Played In Summer

Jan 8, 2010 6:10:51 AM

Toure torn between club and country...

Ivory Coast and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has called for the African Cup of Nations to be turned into a summer tournament to benefit all involved.

With the competition set to start in Angola on Sunday, the Citizen is concerned about missing a significant part of his club campaign while on international duty.

The centre-back has left Eastlands at a critical time, as Roberto Mancini has only just replaced Mark Hughes as manager.

"It is very difficult to leave your team for a month to play in the African Nations," Toure said, according to the Press Association.

"But you are playing for your country, for your father, for your family, for your pride.

"If something can happen and something can move [rescheduling the tournament], it would be really fantastic for us.

"We are caught between two really important things in our lives [playing for club and country] but we have to go there and play for our pride.

"You have a great job with your club and start something. You just want to keep this focus but then you have to go to play for your country. It is not easy for us."

Adithya Ananth, Goal.com UK

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!