Kolo Toure has revealed he was “a little bit emotional” while watching Liverpool supporters line the streets to provide a spirited welcome to the team bus at Anfield ahead of their victory over Villarreal.
The Reds delivered an emphatic display in the second leg of the semi-final, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory to book a Europa League showdown with defending champions Sevilla at St Jakob-Park on May 18.
And the Ivorian, who started at the heart of the back-line on Thursday night, is adamant that the supporters willed such a performance from the Reds.
On the scenes outside the stadium prior to kick off, he told Goal: “That was so amazing, it’s hard to put into words. Driving from the hotel to the stadium and seeing the fans fill the streets, that makes you feel something so special.
Jordon Ibe filmed a belter video from the team bus last night. Get on it! #LFC pic.twitter.com/03JVQe1tl9
— THE ANFIELD WRAP (@TheAnfieldWrap) May 6, 2016
“The passion we saw was motivating and for me, I was a little bit emotional at this time because I could see how much the game meant to all of them.
“I thought ‘we have to do it for the fans’ and all the players felt that. These fans, they are amazing.
“The way they support the club is just different. There’s no question, we won for them and we won because of their help. The pressure we put on this Villarreal team was great, from the fans and the players.
“ They won the battle, but that was only the first leg, not the full war. We battered them and I’m very pleased for that.”
Toure, who had his name chanted on the terraces following a solid defensive display, added: “You can feel all their encouragement!
“When you do a good tackle, or block, the Kop they really appreciate that and they let you know it.
“For me, it means a lot. I’m here to give 100 per cent for this club and I’m happy the supporters can see that.”
Last year, the 35-year-old ended a 22-year wait for glory with Ivory Coast, who finally lifted the African Nations Cup. The Elephants had reached three finals in nine years, and it was third time lucky.
For Liverpool, the Europa League is their first continental showpiece in nine years and Toure similarly wants to end the long wait for success at club level.
“For me, I will give everything I’ve got to help the team win it,” he said.
“Whether I start or not, I will do whatever I can in whatever way to play my part.
“I did it with Ivory Coast, and now I really hope and I would really love to do it with Liverpool.”
- Goal