Liverpool and Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure retires from international football following 2015 Africa Cup of Nations win

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Kolo Toure has announced his retirement from international football
The defender recently lifted the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations trophy
Toure has been part of the international set up for 15 years since his debut
The Elephants could also lose manager Herve Renard to Egypt

Published: 11:41 EST, 15 February 2015 | Updated: 13:42 EST, 15 February 2015

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Liverpool and Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure has announced his international retirement after 15 years in the Elephants set up.

The 33-year-old has played in three World Cups and seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments since he burst onto the international scene in 2000.

After two successive AFCON finals defeats Kolo finally got his rewards just weeks ago when he lifted the 2015 edition of the trophy following victory over Ghana.

Ivory Coast's defender Kolo Toure raises the trophy as he celebrates winning the 2015 African Cup of Nations

Liverpool and Ivory Coast defender Toure has announced his international retirement after 15 years

Kolo said in an interview with Côte D’ivoirian media, “It is with great emotion that I inform you that it is time to say goodbye.”

“My goal was to win the Africa Cup of Nations and I must admit that it was a very difficult decision to make. I do love my country and especially love football, but at some point, there comes a time to stop.”

The Elephants could also lose manager Herve Renard who has a buyout clause in his contract and is taking the interests of Egypt.