Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has opened up on his happiness after his former Napoli teammate Kalidou Koulibaly joined the club.
The pair had a strong relationship during their time in Italy, both on and off the pitch.
Koulibaly was re-united with his former teammate, agreeing on a four-year contract at Chelsea after Napoli accepted a £34 million bid.
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With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing in the summer transfer window, Chelsea were in dire need of central defensive replacements.
The likes of Presnel Kimpembe and Jules Kounde have also been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel is looking to make up to four defensive signings this summer as he wishes to rebuild his squad ahead of the new season.
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It remains to be seen as to who will follow Koulibaly into Stamford Bridge, but the Blues have been handed a boost with the Senegal international’s arrival.
Speaking on his arrival, Tuchel piled the pressure on the new signing as he said: "He brings experience, quality, top defending, quality, height, everything we're looking for to play a back three or back four.
“It's a brilliant signing, another brilliant signing for us, and we hope that he can show his quality as soon as possible.”
The German continued to discuss the ease of fitting in at the club, already knowing Jorginho and Edouard Mendy.
"He knows some of the players - he plays with Edou with the national team and knows Jorgi from Napoli,” he continued.
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“So, I think from this side, it will be quick that he feels welcome in the group. It's a nice group, and everyone is happy he is with us now."
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Jorginho added to the plaudits and admitted that he is happy with the addition.
“I am so, so happy he’s here. As a player, he’s a brilliant defender - fast, strong and he has so much quality on the ball with both feet. He’s also a real leader.”
The Italian continued to reveal that the pair remained friends after he joined Chelsea under Maurizio Sarri.
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“We’ve stayed in contact since I left Napoli. He speaks better English already than I do so that will be good for him to help settle in!” he said.
“It’s going to be really easy for him because of the person he is. Of course we will help him to make it maybe a bit easier for him to get involved with the team-mates and everything, but even if he didn’t know us it would be easy for him because he’s such a good guy.”
The defender will be hoping for success alongside his former teammate Jorginho as Tuchel hopes to guide his team to another trophy laden season next campaign.
Topics: Chelsea, Jorginho, Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms