Manchester United have Chelsea legends to thank for Eric Bailly’s arrival

Eric Bailly has revealed Manchester United have a couple of Chelsea legends to thank for persuading him to turn down local rivals City in favour of Old Trafford.

Bailly was wanted by both Manchester clubs during his time at Villarreal but the centre back opted for United in a £30 million deal.

Yaya Toure attempted to secure the services of his Ivory Coast team-mate for new City boss Pep Guardiola but after a conversation with United boss Jose Mourinho and Chelsea great Didier Drogba, Bailly decided his future would be better served in red.

“I signed for United because I like Mourinho, as simple as that. I wanted to play for someone who works very hard,” Bailly told The Sun

“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.”

Bailly added: “Yaya (Toure) 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.”