Ivory Coast legends call on Serge Aurier to be more mature

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Oct 10, 2017. 17:00

Serge Aurier needs to bring more maturity to his career, according to Ivory Coast legends Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure.

The Elephants right-back has had his career marred by several controversial incidents in recent years, most recently an unnecessary sending off in his first Premier League start for Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old’s talents are not in doubt, but there is a worry that he will not fulfill his potential.

“Serge Aurier maybe has to make those mistakes to really understand and realise what he represents,” Drogba said.

“He’s a good person, he’s loyal, he wants to succeed. His problem is away from the pitch – he’s always given everything on the pitch.

“But you know that when there are kids who call your name and ask for autographs, you have to be careful with all your actions and gestures.”

Toure, who is now part of the Elephants’ coaching staff, added: “It’s a lack of maturity, quite simply.

“I think he must feel very bad about it. But he got carried away and didn’t realise the consequences.

“Serge is a really good guy, ask his teammates. He’s young. We’ve all been like that. We’ve all been through that stage when we’re young, playing the hard guy.”

Aurier will hope to return to Tottenham’s line-up for their home clash against Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend.