Kalidou Koulibaly reveals what Edouard Mendy and Jorginho said to convince him to join Chelsea

Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed a deep conversation between teammates Edouard Mendy and Jorginho that convinced him to join Chelsea.

The former Napoli man is the direct replacement for Antonio Rudiger, who joined Real Madrid after his contract expired in the summer.

A couple of seasons ago, Koulibaly was strongly linked to Chelsea and Manchester City, but he decided against a move and stayed in Naples, a place he has called home since joining from Genk in 2014.

The 31-year-old defender made 317 appearances for Napoli and hopes that his connection with former Neapolitan teammate Jorginho and international colleague Mendy will help his integration in south-west London.

“When we were on vacation Edouard (Mendy) tested me and asked me if I wanted to come and Jorginho did the same, and so I think I have double pressure,” he explained, in his first appearance in front of the media as a Chelsea player.

“They are both really nice guys and I used to have some really nice moments with Jorginho at Napoli, and and he has helped me a lot.

“Together me and Jorginho won some nice matches together, so when Jorginho asked me to come to Chelsea I wasn’t sure if the owner wanted me.

“But after Jorginho, Edouard also started texting and asking me, as we won the AFCON together, and when I had the possibility to join him here at Chelsea I was very happy.

“Until the last week they were always speaking to me to know if I will come or not, and when I signed Edouard was so happy because our families can spend more time together.

“With Jorginho I missed him a lot because when he left Napoli I lost something and now I’m very happy to be here with him and everybody.”

Chelsea’s start to the season

The Blues wrapped up their pre-season with a much needed 3-1 win over Udinese, and even though they have a kind start to the new campaign, the 4-0 loss to Arsenal in pre-season will be at the back of Thomas Tuchel’s mind.

They kick off their campaign with a game against Everton, before a tricky London derby against Spurs at Stamford Bridge.

That game is then followed by those against Leeds, Leicester and Southampton, before they start their Champions League campaign.