Kalidou Koulibaly delighted with Chelsea move despite tough start to season

Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed his delight over his move to Chelsea despite their tough start to the season.

During the summer transfer window, the 31-year-old signed for the Blues after eight seasons and 317 appearances for Napoli in Serie A.

Koulibaly had been a long-term target for Chelsea throughout previous summers, and he finally put pen to paper on a deal at the west London side.

So far this season, the centre-back has made six appearances for the Blues.

He was able to keep a clean sheet on his debut when they faced Everton in their Premier League season opener, before netting his first goal for the club in the controversial draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the Senegal international was sent off late on in the defeat away at Leeds United the following weekend.

Koulibaly played three more games upon his return to the side, but is yet to feature under new boss Graham Potter, having stayed on the bench for their Champions League draw against FC Salzburg.

Chelsea have won just three of their opening eight games of the season across all competitions, but the defender has no regrets over his switch from Italy to England.

Speaking to Le Quotidien, he said: “You know, it’s a life choice. I wanted to change clubs. 

“I felt like I’d given everything to Napoli. There came a point where I wanted to change life, challenge myself and throw myself into a new challenge.

“Chelsea arrived and it didn’t take long for me to choose. They’re one of the five best clubs in the world, with a great history; a team that’s used to winning.

“Therefore, I’ll never stop thanking them for what they gave me. Now, I felt it was time to discover something else.

Kalidou Koulibaly for Chelsea against West Ham. (Alamy)

“Signing with Chelsea was a very good thing for me. I’m very happy to be there. 

“It was a bit tough at first, because I had to move eight years of my life to London. It’s something that’s quite hard.

“The need to find a school, get used to the London life. I arrived in London, where I found my house, the school for my kids. 

“I’ve found my bearings, so I’m very happy.”

Koulibaly is currently on international duty with Senegal, with the centre-back being the captain of his national side.

He is set to face Bolivia and Iran in a couple of friendlies, and will be keen to prove his worth to ensure he finds a starting spot in Potter’s side going forward.