Almunia sorry to see Toure go

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Ivory Coast international signed a four-year deal with Manchester City last month, ending a seven-year stint with the north London club.

Almunia said: "Maybe he was a bit bored, a bit tired of being with the same people every day, in the same atmosphere. He needed a change and you could see it in his face he was not really, really happy in his last period at Arsenal."

He added: "I was surprised by Kolo. He was a big part of Arsenal, one of the greatest players we've had over the last few years.

"He was happy here and when I see him in the papers wearing a City shirt, it is very strange. But now we must work with different people. We have a new central defender in Thomas Vermaelen and must cope with this. In football people come and go. It's life.

"Kolo lived through great times at Arsenal. He won the league as part of a great team, the 'Invincibles'.

"But when you are at any place for a long time, you sometimes need a change and to change your way of life, the city where you live, the team-mates you see every day."

Fabregas has once again been linked with a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium this summer and, while the club insist the Spain midfielder is going nowhere, Almunia knows the Gunners must win something to keep hold of the 22-year-old.

Almunia added: "With Cesc, the same could happen but he has a lot more to offer Arsenal yet. Kolo gave everything to this club and won titles. He gave 100%.

"With Cesc, this season we'll see the best of him and he'll help us win something. Then he'll be happy to be here and will do what he wants to do."