Thomas Touré Declines Ivory Coast Call-Up—for Now
Young Bordeaux forward Thomas Touré has turned down a call-up from Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard for the upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the DR Congo. The 20-year-old dual-national (Ivorian-Spanish, born in France) has opted to take more time before committing to an international future.
“I would like to give myself some time to make my decision,” Touré wrote in a letter to the Ivorian Football Federation dated October 1, 2014.
Touré, who trained at AS Cannes before joining Girondins de Bordeaux, has been impressing in Ligue 1 this season. His form has not gone unnoticed by Hervé Renard, who is keen to rejuvenate the Elephants with fresh talent.
“He’s a guy I’ve known for quite some time. I think we need to find players like him to give the Elephants new energy,” said Renard.
Touré’s decision to wait suggests he is weighing all his options carefully—possibly considering interest from France or Spain as well. For now, Ivory Coast will have to be patient as one of their top prospects ponders his international path.
