New signing Kalidou Koulibaly has sent a message to the Chelsea fans following his arrival from Napoli.
The Blues agreed a £34 million deal to see Koulibaly join them, years after he was first linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel was in dire need of central defensive options following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while Cesar Azpilicueta could follow the pair out of the door this summer.
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Speaking after joining the club, Koulibaly told Chelsea’s official website about his joy at signing for the Blues.
He said: “I am really excited to be here. I was looking forward to being with the team.
“I was in London three days ago. I was excited to be in this city, to play for this club.
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"I want to thank the staff, the coach who wanted me, the boss. Everybody was really nice with me. I feel home.”
After eight years in Naples, the Senegal international decided to depart with a year remaining on his contract, informing the Serie A side of his decision not to sign an extension.
Chelsea swooped in quickly to conclude a deal, with domestic rivals Juventus interested in signing the 31-year-old.
The defender flew to London to complete his medicals, via Milan, before joining up with his teammates in the United States during their pre-season tour.
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When asked if he has a message for Chelsea fans around the world, Koulibaly was thankful for their support and pledged to commit himself to the club.
“I want to thank them,” he said. “Ever since my first day in London people were taking pictures with me, excited to see me in London. This is a good feeling for me
“I like the respect, I like the love. When I see this I want to give them back on the pitch.
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“The only thing I can tell them is that on the pitch I will give 200% for them, for the staff, for everybody working in the club.
"On the pitch everything will go well. I want to thank them for the big welcome and I am looking forward to see them at Stamford Bridge.”
Koulibaly will likely make his Chelsea debut when the Blues face Everton on the first day of the Premier League season, looking to follow in the shoes of Rudiger, a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are thought to be in the market for further defensive reinforcements this summer, with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde heavily linked with making a switch to London after Koulibaly this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Kalidou Koulibaly, Premier League, Football, Napoli, Thomas Tuchel
Nick Emms