Kalidou Koulibaly sends parting shot at Chelsea after sealing Al-Hilal transfer

Defender one of many names leaving Stamford Bridge this summer
Parting shot: Kalidou Koulibaly has left Chelsea for Al-Hilal
VIA REUTERS
Jonathan Gorrie27 June 2023

Kalidou Koulibaly has fired a parting shot at former club Chelsea.

The 32-year-old spent just a season in the Premier League after being linked with a move from Napoli for a number of years.

After an underwhelming stint with the Blues, the Senegal international sealed a £17m move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

A £33m signing made during Thomas Tuchel’s game in charge, he struggled to translate his previous form into the Premier League.

Still, the defender has now hinted he felt unwanted at Stamford Bridge.

“I had no guarantees to get regular playing time [at Chelsea],” he told Corriere dello Sport.

“I prefer a place where I am wanted and at the centre of the project and can be an example for young players. The Premier League is fantastic and there are great players.”

Koulibaly links up with former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves in the Saudi Pro League and will meet former Chelsea teammates N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy next season.

Kante has signed for Al Ittihad alongside Karim Benzema while Ziyech is closing in on an £8m move to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

Mendy is also set to move to Al-Ahli for £16m as Chelsea continue to overhaul their squad ahead of the Mauricio Pochettino era.

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