Bailly: I signed for United because of Drogba

Posted Monday, August 01, 2016 by Foxsports.com

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has revealed that he chose to sign for the Red Devils, instead of rivals Manchester City, because of manager Jose Mourinho.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international joined United in June for a fee of £30m from Spanish club Villarreal.

The defender confirmed that he spoke to international colleagues, Didier Drogba and City midfielder Yaya Toure, and decided to join United after Drogba told him what Mourinho is all about.

Drogba became a Chelsea legend, winning multiple trophies, after being signed by Mourinho for the London club from Marseille in 2004.

Bailly told the Sunday Times: "I signed for United because I like Mourinho, as simple as that.

"I wanted to play for someone who works very hard. I didn't speak to Pep Guardiola but the 'second' manager called me and Mourinho called me as well.

"He said come and play for me. I prefer Mourinho, in part because of Didier Drogba, who Mourinho worked with.

"I have played with Didier in the Ivory Coast, he is a friend and he told me, 'Jose did this for me, Jose did that for me'.

"Yaya (Toure) also called me and said come to City. But once Jose spoke to me and Didier gave me advice, I knew straight away I wanted to play for him."