'I'm going there to fight for the Reds'
Kolo Toure admits he has fond memories of his time at Arsenal - but insists there will be no room for sentiment when the Reds travel to the Emirates on Saturday.
The Ivorian spent seven years at the London club, picking up the Premier League title and two FA Cups under the stewardship of Arsene Wenger.
He was a defensive lynchpin in the 'Invincibles' side that went a full season without defeat in 2003-04 - making 326 appearances throughout a distinguished Gunners career.
However, when he steps out onto the field in Liverpool red against the Barclays Premier League leaders at the weekend, all that will be forgotten for 90 minutes.
"I think it's going to be a great game for me to play," Toure told the Liverpool Echo. "I had some great times there and it was a big part of my life.
"Without Arsene I wouldn't be here. He was the one who saw me. He's a fantastic manager and gave me my chance to play football in this country.
"But now is not the time to talk about him. He knows I've been talking about him all the time.
"It's always special to go back there but at the same time I want to show on Saturday that Arsenal made a mistake by letting me go.
"I'm going there to fight. I want to show them what I can do and help my team - Liverpool - to win. Right now I don't want to think about any of the good things that Arsene did for me as I'm focused on getting those three points."
Arsenal are currently two points clear of Brendan Rodgers' side at the top of the table - and have a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal.
Olivier Giroud has been lethal in front of goal so far, while behind him, the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and not least Mezut Ozil have all been in fine form.
The fact the Gunners have made such a convincing start to the current campaign comes as no surprise to Toure - and he knows the Reds face a tough challenge on Saturday.
"I'll definitely try to do my best to show them that I'm still a great player," Toure said. "But I need to perform for my team - that is the most important thing.
"It's going to be a fantastic game and it's a good opportunity for us. I can't wait for it. They have started the season really well but Arsenal have always been a good team.
"No matter what players they've had there, they're always good because they have a great manager. He's really intelligent and knows what he's doing.
"Of course it will be difficult but we are a strong team and we have a great manager as well. They know that we pose a threat to them too and they know it will be a tough game for them.
"We know it's going to be a really good game of football and we will give everything we've got to win it."
Toure has played eight of Liverpool's Premier League fixtures so far this season - missing just the one game against Manchester United at Anfield in early September due to injury.
He was in action as the Reds tore West Brom apart last time out as Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge ran riot in a comfortable 4-1 win.
Toure reflected: "I haven't seen many better hat-tricks than Luis' against West Brom.
"All three were great goals. Both Luis and Daniel are amazing players and there is a great understanding between them.
"I wouldn't fancy having to mark either of them! When you have players like that in the squad and you train with them every day it makes you even better.
"Saturday was our best performance of the season so far. We controlled the game really well.
"We worked really well as a team and the fans were amazing. The penalty meant we weren't able to keep a clean sheet but the most important thing was that we got the three points and got back to winning ways again."