Abdul Baba Rahman: I had positive talks with Michael Essien and Christian Atsu before signing for Chelsea

New acquisition: Abdul Baba Rahman has spoken for the first time since joining Chelsea
Vaishali Bhardwaj18 August 2015

Chelsea's new left-back Abdul Baba Rahman has revealed how "positive" conversations with fellow Ghanaians Michael Essien and Christian Atsu helped convince him to sign for the Blues.

Rahman completed his transfer to Stamford Bridge from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg on Sunday following an impressive season at the German club where the 21-year-old was rated as the best left-back in the division.

Italian side Roma were also thought to have been interested in recruiting the Ghana international this summer, but the defender opted to join Chelsea after being given reassurances about his playing time - with Cesar Azpilicueta the current first-choice left-back at the club.

And Rahman has now admitted he spoke with former Chelsea midfielder Essien as well as current winger Atsu - who is on loan at Bournemouth - before making the move from Germany to England.

After being asked whether he sought advice from his compatriots about signing for the Blues, Baba Rahman told Chelsea's official website on Tuesday: "Yes.

"I spoke with both of them and they were very positive about Chelsea. They told me it was a great club with very nice people, which was good to hear.

"I watched him [Essien] whenever I could. In Ghana they only showed the Premier League at that time so I was always watching him, he was a great player for Chelsea."

When then asked whether the history of African players plying their trade at Stamford Bridge was encouraging for him, Baba Rahman replied: "Yes, of course, it’s a big inspiration for me.

"I’m really looking forward to trying to carry on the pattern of African players doing well for the club. I can’t wait to get started."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted Rahman's capture was vital in not only strengthening his options at left-back following Filipe Luis' departure to Atletico Madrid this summer, but also important in allowing him to shuffle his back line around when needed.

"It is important because he is a left-back, so he can compete with [Cesar] Azpilicueta," the Portuguese tactician said after Rahman's transfer had been announced.

"At the same time, Azpilicueta can compete with [Branislav] Ivanovic for the right-back position, so he replaces Filipe Luis in the balance of the squad."

And Rahman has talked up his style of play after admitting he likes getting forward to help his team in attacks.

"I’m a left-back and, as a defender, it’s important for me to be strong in the tackle, which I always try to be," he said.

"I also like to get forward as much as possible and help the team in attack. In the Premier League there is a heavy emphasis on getting up and down the pitch, which I like to do."

Speaking about having attempted the most crosses in the Bundesliga last season, the 21-year-old added: "It’s very important because obviously if you can provide crosses from out wide there is a higher chance of providing assists and chances for the team."

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