New Manchester United signing Eric Bailly has revealed he snubbed the chance to join rivals Manchester City to link up with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.
Bailly, 22, marked the start of Mourinho’s era as United manager this summer when he became the first signing under the Portuguese boss in a £30m deal.
The Ivory Coast central defender has revealed that City midfielder Yaya Toure tried to convince him to join City but made the decision to join United after a chat with Didier Drogba.
“I signed for United because I like Mourinho, as simple as that,” Bailly told The Sun. “I wanted to play for someone who works very hard.
“Mourinho called me as well and he told me to come and play for him. I prefer Mourinho, in part because of Didier Drogba, who worked with him. Didier is a friend and he told me Jose did a lot for him.
“Yaya also called me and wanted me to come to City, but once Jose spoke to me and Didier gave me advice, I knew straight away I wanted to play for him.”
Of players to attempt at least 15 dribbles in La Liga last season Bailly did so with the best success rate (93.8%).
For more stats on Eric Bailly, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
