Kolo Toure said on Monday (25th July) that about he was looking forward to reuniting with Brendan Rodgers, his former manager at Liverpool, following his move to Scottish champions Celtic on a free transfer.

SOUNDBITE (English): Kolo Toure, Celtic defender:

(On Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who was also his manager at Liverpool)

"First thing I will say is that Celtic is a great club and if you are linked a great club like that, of course you will be really happy as a football player. For me, for sure when I heard that I was really happy, but at the same time by joining Brendan Rodgers it was something really special as well. We've been working together at Liverpool, it's been a great time there, and now to come and work with him (Rodgers) is great."

SOUNDBITE (English): Kolo Toure, Celtic defender:

(On whether Rodgers has talked to him about his plans for Celtic)

"Yes it's simple, he is training one of the best clubs in the world. He just wants to keep the team at that level. When you come and play for a top club, you have to be able to cope with the pressure and be able to deliver results. That's why he is here and that's why I'm here, to try to give everything we've got to make Celtic a better team."

SOUNDBITE (English): Kolo Toure, Celtic defender:

"I am fit. But of course I have just joined the team and I need time to be ready. I will work hard, I can't tell you when but I am ready right now in my mind to give everything I've got, everyday, to be able to help my team-mates."

SOUNDBITE (English): Kolo Toure, Celtic defender:

(On prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League again)

"It's a great feeling, the Champions League is a special tournament. I have played in the final (for Arsenal in 2006), I didn't win it. We have a chance to play that again, we will go through the (qualifying) stage. It's going to be tough but I am looking forward to it and we will give everything there as well to qualify."