I am not Antonio Rudiger – Kalidou Koulibaly

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Chelsea’s latest signing Kalidou Koulibaly has explained his decision to join the Premier League club.

Kalidou Koulibaly

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The Senegalese was speaking at his first press conference where he said he believes that his decision to join the Stamford Bridge club was destined. He said former Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte wanted to bring him to the Bridge in 2016.

It’s true that a long time the Premier League wanted me to come. I believe in God so I believe that the moment was now. Before, no one was ready and Napoli didn’t want me to go. I am not a player to fight to leave. I have a lot of respect for owners and fans. I decided with my family and friends to come to Chelsea. Why Chelsea? I think they were the only club that really wanted me. In 2016, Conte really wanted me, I was always linked to Chelsea and this time, the timing was good. I came here and I am really happy. I hope I will be here for a long time. It’s true that I am 31 but I can give some years here. I can give everything to this club.

The 31-year-old was signed as a possible replacement for Antonio Rudiger who joined Real Madrid as a free agent. However, the he said, he does not want to replace the German but he wants to be himself.

I am happy for him to be in Real Madrid but for me it is not a pressure. I don’t think I am here to replace. I want to be a Koulibaly, not a Rudiger. I have my own style.

He said his decision to join Chelsea was because of his conversation with the new owner of the club, Todd Boehly.

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