Returning Toure out to rebuild reputation

Steve Skerry

KOLO Toure is determined to prove he did not take drugs to become a better footballer after completing a six-month ban for taking a banned substance.

The Manchester City defender failed a test in March having taken bendroflumethiazide, which was found to be in water tablets.

Touré (below) admitted taking the tablets but insisted he did not intend to enhance his sporting performance, did not realise they were on a banned list and used them only to help him lose weight.

Toure, who is eligible for City’s next game against Wigan on September 10, said: “For me, everything happened because of God. Everything he does is good but he can do you bad too. Every time he does something, he does it to make you a better man. It was an accident what happened, but my faith has driven me on and now I’m feeling fresh. People think I needed water tablets to make me a better footballer. I want to show those people I don’t need water tablets to be a strong man. I’ve been in this league for nearly 10 years now and I’ve played in a lot of good games, and I will do that again.

“Sometimes you don’t appreciate how big it is being a footballer, but for me to be out for six months has made me realise that.

“I’ve been missing it and to be able to come back is great.”