Arouna Koné

Arouna Koné

Koné with Côte d'Ivoire in 2012
Personal information
Full nameArouna Koné[1]
Date of birth11 November 1983
Place of birthAnyama, Ivory Coast
Height1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) [2]
Playing positionStriker
Club information
Current team
Everton
Number9
Youth career
Rio Sport
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2001–2002Rio Sport30(17)
2002–2003Lierse32(11)
2003–2005Roda63(27)
2005–2007PSV53(21)
2007–2012Sevilla40(1)
2010→ Hannover 96 (loan)8(2)
2011–2012→ Levante (loan)34(15)
2012Levante0(0)
2012–2013Wigan Athletic33(11)
2013–Everton17(1)
National team‡
2004–Côte d'Ivoire39(9)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of match played 26 April 2015.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 10 April 2013

Arouna Koné (born 11 November 1983) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays for Everton in the Premier League, as a striker.

After making a name for himself in the Eredivisie, with Roda and PSV, he signed with Sevilla in 2007, where he rarely appeared due to injury and loans. In 2012 he moved from Levante to the Premier League, where he represented Wigan Athletic and Everton, winning one FA Cup with the former.

Koné appeared for Côte d'Ivoire at the 2006 World Cup, as well as three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Club career

Early years

Born in Anyama, Koné started his football career with Rio Sport d'Anyama, a club based in his hometown. In the 2002–03 season, aged just 18, he signed for Lierse S.K. in Belgium, being the team's top scorer as it finished fifth. He moved to the Netherlands in the following off-season and joined Roda JC, scoring double digits in two consecutive Eredivisie campaigns including a career-best of 15 goals in 2004–05.

PSV

Koné continued in the Netherlands and joined national powerhouse PSV Eindhoven in the 2005 summer, netting 11 goals in his first year and nine in the first part of the following, partnering well up front with Peruvian Jefferson Farfán. He also competed in the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League, scoring a vital winner in the 2–1 away success against Galatasaray SK, and his successful 2006 finished on a high note as he was nominated for the Ivorian Football of the Year award, an accolade eventually won by Didier Drogba; in May of the following year, after several weeks sidelined due to injury, he picked his second consecutive national championship-winners medal.

Koné endured a difficult start to PSV's 2007–08 season: due to a date mix-up, he returned late to pre-season training following a holiday in his country, thus missing out on valuable time to prepare for the new campaign. Added to this, the player was struck down with malaria at the end of July 2007,[3] In August, it was announced that he had returned to training following his health scare, and was expected to be fit in time for the team's first league game against Heracles Almelo on the 19th –[4]he also immediately returned to international duty.[5]

Sevilla

On the 30th of August the year 2007, after reported interest from Premier League side Middlesbrough had been observing Koné,[6] Sevilla FC signed Koné on a five-year deal for a fee reported to be €12 million.[7] He made his league debut on 16 September, as a second-half substitute for Frédéric Kanouté in a 4–1 win against Recreativo de Huelva – he won a penalty in the game, but fellow striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov failed to convert.[8] Nine days later he scored his first goal for the Spaniards, helping the team come from behind 0–2 against RCD Espanyol to tie it 2–2, in an eventual 2–3 home loss;[9][10] on 2 October, he netted his first UEFA Champions League goal for the club, in a 4–2 group stage win against SK Slavia Prague after only ten minutes on the pitch.[11][12]

In April 2008, it was reported that Koné was to be shown the door at Sevilla in the summer of 2008, after a disappointing first season. His lack of playing time, partly due to the form of Luís Fabiano and Kanouté, and an argument on the training ground with a member of the training staff that was caught on Spanish television, made for some intense speculation about the player's future.[13] In the run-up to the 2008–09 campaign he suffered a serious injury while playing for Côte d'Ivoire against Guinea on 20 August,[14] and a subsequent scan showed he had suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in his left leg, and he underwent surgery to repair the damage the following week,[15] returning to training in February 2009.[16]

Subsequently Koné fell out of favour at Sevilla[17] and, after much transfer speculation,[18][19][20] in February 2010 he joined Hannover 96 on loan until the end of the season.[21] He scored on his Bundesliga debut, a 1–2 away loss against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

Koné in Levante colours.

Koné only appeared once for Sevilla in 2010–11, one minute against Villarreal CF.[22] For the following season he was loaned to Levante UD, starting often and scoring his first goal of the campaign on 18 September 2011, in a surprise 1–0 home win over Real Madrid.[23] The campaign was highly successful for the player both individually (he netted 15 times) and collectively, as the Valencian finished sixth and qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

Koné was rested for the final three games of the season due to a minor injury, and also because he was "scoring too many goals", as if he reached 18 he would have to return to Sevilla automatically,[24] something he did not desire.[25] Instead, he moved to Levante on a permanent basis, though the club were reported to be keen to sell him immediately for a profit.[26]

Wigan Athletic

On 14 August 2012, Koné signed a three-year contract with Premier League side Wigan Athletic, for a reported fee of €3.5 million.[27] Wigan beat off competition from a number of other English clubs, with the striker being persuaded to sign due to the team's passing style of play.[28] He scored his first league goal in his second match and his first start, an 89th minute strike against Southampton for the final goal in a 2–0 away win.[29] He netted a brace in the 4–1 defeat of Huddersfield Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup, on 17 February 2013,[30] and added another two in his side's next match, a 3–0 league win at Reading.[31]

Koné won the FA Cup with the Latics, featuring the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 upset against Manchester City.[32] However, only three days later, Wigan were relegated from the top division following a 1–4 defeat at Arsenal.[33]

Everton

On 8 July 2013, Everton confirmed the signing of Koné on a three-year deal, for an undisclosed fee.[34] He made his debut on 17 August, coming on as an 81st minute substitute in a 2–2 draw at Norwich City.[35] In October, he suffered a knee cartilage injury and did not play again for the rest of the season.[36] Returning on the 24th of December 2014, he netted his first goal for Everton against Newcastle United in the early stages of a 3-2 defeat.

International career

Koné playing for Côte d'Ivoire in 2007.

Koné played for the Mama Ouattara-led Côte d'Ivoire under-20 team in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, alongside Lierse teammate where he starred alongside Lierse team mate Adolphe Tohoua. He scored three goals in the tournament – once against Mexico in a 2–1 win, and twice in the 2–2 draw against the Republic of Ireland – in an eventual round-of-16 exit, and the official FIFA website declared him to be a "crucial pivot for the attacking thrust" of the Ivorian team, and described him as a player possessing "physical strength, aerial ability and good ball control".[37]

Koné made his debut for the full side in March 2004 against Tunisia. He was selected for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, scoring once as the Elephants finished runners-up to hosts Egypt.

Koné was also picked for the squad that appeared at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, a first-ever for the African nation. He replaced Abdul Kader Keïta in the 77th minute of the first game, a 1–2 loss against Argentina, and started in the other two – going scoreless in the process – as the national team did not make it to the knockout stages.[38][39][40]

Koné was named in the Ivorian squad for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, in an eventual fourth-place finish. On 8 October 2006, in the qualifying campaign, he scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 home win against Gabon.

After spending four years in the international wilderness due to injuries and loss of form, Koné was recalled to the Ivorian squad in 2012, and was named in the squad for the 2013 African Cup of Nations due to his club form, with boss Martínez commenting on his player's international return: "Arouna had a long period when he wasn't involved with the national team, and that was hard because he loves representing his country. When he is happy, we are happy, and I am very pleased he is back in the Ivory Coast squad."[41]

International goals

# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 8 October 2006 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire  Gabon 5–0 Win 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
2. 8 October 2006 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire  Gabon 5–0 Win 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
3. 8 October 2006 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire  Gabon 5–0 Win 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
4. 3 June 2007 Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire  Madagascar 5–0 Win 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
5. 3 June 2007 Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire  Madagascar 5–0 Win 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
6. 21 November 2007 Doha, Qatar  Qatar 6–1 Win Friendly
7. 21 November 2007 Doha, Qatar  Qatar 6–1 Win Friendly

Honours

PSV
Wigan Athletic

Club statistics

As of match played 26 April 2015.
Club Season League Cup League Cup Continental Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Rio Sport 2001–02 301700----3017
Total 30170000003017
Lierse 2002–03 321100----3211
Total 32110000003211
Roda 2003–04 281100----2811
2004–05 331500----3315
2005–06 2200----22
Total 63280000--6328
PSV 2005–06 211100--202311
2006–07 311020--924212
2007–08 1000----10
Total 532120001126623
Sevilla 2007–08 21100--31242
2008–09 6000--0060
2009–10 12010--30160
2010–11 1000--0010
Total 401100061472
Hannover 2010–11 8200----82
Total 820000--82
Levante 2011–12 341552----3917
Total 34155200--3917
Wigan Athletic 2012–13 34114200--3813
Total 34114200--3813
Everton 2013–14 5000100060
2014–15 121000040161
Total 171001040221
Career Total 31110712410213345114

Personal life

Koné is married with two sons and three daughters.[42] He is a Muslim,[43] and his father died when he was nine years old.[43]

Koné attributes his peroxide blonde hair to former basketball player Dennis Rodman, and states that his footballing heroes were Liberian legend George Weah and Brazilian superstar Ronaldo.[43]

References

  1. ↑ "List of players" (PDF). CAF. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  2. ↑ "Barclays Premier League Player Profile Arouna Kone". web page. Premier League. 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  3. ↑ "Koné adds to Koeman's woes".
  4. ↑ "Koné returns to training".
  5. ↑ "Koné back in Ivory Coast squad".
  6. ↑ "Middlesbrough interested in Arouna".
  7. ↑ "Koné heads to Sevilla".
  8. ↑ "FC Sevilla 4–1 Recreativo Huelva". ESPN Soccernet. 16 September 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  9. ↑ "Tamudo stuns Sevilla". ESPN Soccernet. 25 September 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  10. ↑ "Arouna scores first Sevilla goal".
  11. ↑ "Sevilla 4–2 Slavia Prague: Losing streak ended". ESPN Soccernet. 2 October 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  12. ↑ "Kanoute and Koné on target for rampant Sevilla".
  13. ↑ Minshull, Phil (17 April 2008). "Kone under pressure at Sevilla". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  14. ↑ "Koné blow for Sevilla". Sky Sports. 21 August 2008. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  15. ↑ Gourizro, Giscard (2 September 2008). "Koné hopes for rapid return". Sky Sports. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  16. ↑ "Koné set for Sevilla return". Sky Sports. 4 February 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  17. ↑ "Koné willing to move on". Sky Sports. 1 October 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  18. ↑ "Real Zaragoza keen on Arouna Kone to replace Ikechukwu Uche". Goal.com. 25 September 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  19. ↑ "Arouna Kone may join Real Zaragoza on loan – Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez". Goal.com. 26 September 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  20. ↑ "Football: The top 20 European January transfer targets". The Guardian. 22 December 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  21. ↑ "Arouna Kon zu 96!" [Arouna Kon to 96!] (in German). Hannover 96. 1 February 2010. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  22. ↑ "Romaric edges Sevilla thriller". ESPN Soccernet. 24 April 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  23. ↑ "Khedira off as Madrid lose". ESPN Soccernet. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  24. ↑ "Arouna Koné scoring too many goals". Football.co. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  25. ↑ "Koné in Levante dilemma". A Different League. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  26. ↑ "Levante exercise option to buy Arouna Koné". Goal.com. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  27. ↑ "Latics swoop for Kone from Levante". ESPN Soccernet. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  28. ↑ "Stylish Wigan boss Martinez persuaded Kone to sign". Tribal Football. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  29. ↑ "Latics sink Saints". ESPN Soccernet. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  30. ↑ "Wigan beat Huddersfield 4–1 in the FA Cup fifth round". Sky Sports. 17 February 2013.
  31. ↑ "Wigan beat Reading 3–0 to move out of the Premier League relegation zone". Sky Sports. 23 February 2013.
  32. ↑ "Man City 0–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  33. ↑ "Arsenal 4–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  34. ↑ "Arouna Kone: Everton sign Ivory Coast striker from Wigan Athletic". BBC Sport. 8 July 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  35. ↑ "Norwich 2–2 Everton". BBC Sport. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  36. ↑ "Everton striker Arouna Kone out for 'long spell' says club". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  37. ↑ "Twelve shining stars in the Emirates". FIFA.com. 12 December 2003. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  38. ↑ "Argentina – Côte d'Ivoire". FIFA.com. 10 June 2006. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  39. ↑ "Netherlands – Côte d'Ivoire". FIFA.com. 16 June 2006. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  40. ↑ "Côte d'Ivoire – Serbia and Montenegro". FIFA.com. 21 June 2006. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  41. ↑ "Martinez set to lose Kone for a month". ESPN FC. 3 December 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  42. ↑ "Arouna Koné has become father of a baby boy". PSV. 21 August 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 "Arouna Koné: 'Wherever in the world I play I can find goals'". The Guardian. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2012.

External links