Kalidou Koulibaly has opened up about the private messages that led to him deciding to join Chelsea this summer.
The former Napoli star completed a £35million transfer to Stamford Bridge last week after being eyed as a replacement for Antonio Rudiger. The Germany international had left last month for Real Madrid after his contract expired.
That left a gaping hole in Thomas Tuchel's defence as one of his key players but the arrival of Koulibaly will go some way in filling in for the 29-year-old. The Senegal international might not be the only one, as well, with moves for Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe planned.
However, the idea to sign Koulibaly has been one in the pipeline for a long time at Chelsea, with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte desperate to bring him in during their time in charge at the club. But it is Tuchel that has succeeded where they did not, while the defender knows the likes of Jorginho and Edouard Mendy from Napoli and Senegal.
The duo played a major role in convincing him to make the move to west London after messaging him over a potential transfer - one that Koulibaly could not resist eventually. The 31-year-old told Chelsea's official website: "I speak a lot with them both.
"Jorgi actually texted me and asked if I wanted to come to Chelsea! At the time, I wasn’t sure if they wanted me but of course, I said I would come with pleasure.
"It was the same with Edou, he asked me the question and I told him it was already done and I would see him soon! Now I’m here, I’m really happy to start this exciting journey. The squad looks great with a good mix of younger players and those with more experience."
While the departure of Rudiger is surely to be felt at Chelsea over the season, finding a suitable and experienced replacement quickly has always been Tuchel's main objective. And the German has revealed how Koulibaly and Thiago Silva, who turns 38 in September, can prove that age is just a number still.
“It’s nice that he takes the challenge right now,” said the Blues boss. “And we have Thiago Silva, who is even older and super-experienced and still at the peak of his game. We hope Koulibaly can do the same and play for many years for us.
“He is totally fit and ready for the challenge and he needs to be because we need him in top shape.”
