- Touré became a crucial player for Arsenal during a seven-year spell at the club
- The defender signed during his trial period despite the two-footed manager Arsène Wenger
- What is Brendan Rodgers doing in the Scottish wilderness? It all comes to the surface
Former Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure burst into laughter after listening to former teammate Ray Parlor’s story about the defender’s infamous trial with the Gunners.
Toure was a key part of Arsenal from 2002 to 2009, having joined the Gunners following a successful trial for Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas in a £150,000 deal.
The case against the defender has become legendary, with Parlor previously telling how Arsenal players were left stunned by Toure taking out stars Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in training.
His woes continued when it was claimed he was two-footed by then Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
“There were big games on the schedule and with Henry and Bergkamp out we couldn’t win the league, it was as simple as that… and we had a trial player kick against them,” Parlor said on talkSPORT.
Kolo Toure laughed when he heard the story about how he handled Arsene Wenger during his trial
Toure was signed after his infamous trial and became a key part of Arsenal’s defence
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“Anyway, the next ball goes in and Toure intercepts very well.
“The ball spins up, and then it follows the ball; the ball lands right at Arsène Wenger’s feet. Crook, he’s taking him out.’
Toure saw the funny side of Parlour’s retelling of the story as he listened talkSPORT with the now 42-year-old admitting his enthusiasm had gotten the better of him.
He admitted that his desire to grab his chance to play for the Gunners and play with his idols had contributed to his chaotic process.
“I was so excited, I couldn’t believe I was training with these guys,” Toure said.
“I came there and played with people who were my idols, and when the game started I wanted to show people what I was capable of.
‘I tried to tackle everything I could, including the manager.’
Wenger previously confirmed he had suffered an ankle injury after being tackled by Toure
Wenger had previously confirmed Parlour’s story was true, with the Frenchman confirming he had injured his ankle when tackled by Toure.
The former Arsenal manager claimed he made the decision to sign Toure the following day after being convinced of his desire.
It turned out to be a good decision when Toure joined Arsenal’s Invincibles team during the 2003/04 season, the last time the Gunners won the Premier League.
He eventually left after making 326 appearances for the club and winning two FA Cups with the club, before winning a second Premier League title with Man City in 2012.
Toure has since embarked on a coaching career, working alongside Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester.
His first managerial role was short-lived at Wigan last year, with Toure failing to win any of his nine games with the Latics.