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Koulibaly reveals why he transferred to Al-Hilal after ‘not so bad’ season with Chelsea.
Kalidou Koulibaly has explained the reasoning behind his decision to quit Chelsea after only one season to join Al-Hilal.
The dominating Senegalese centre-half has joined the flight from Europe to the Middle East, heading to Saudi Arabia for £20 million ($25 million). He will be working on a lucrative deal at Al-Hilal and feels that he has chosen the greatest option for himself and his family.
Koulibaly has told Corriere dello Sport: “I am happy with my decisions for many reasons. I am Muslin and I land in the right country. I am happy to play in a league that is evolving and I hope I can help Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal write history in sports and this contract is really important.
I can help my family live well, my parents and cousins, and sustain the social activities of my NGO in Senegal: Capitane du Coeur. We started with constructing a paediatric clinic in the village where my parents were born and married. It’s called Ngano.”
When Koulibaly left Napoli for Chelsea in 2022, he was considered one of the best defenders in the world, but he only made 32 appearances with the Blues.
He claims to have no regrets and added on his time in England: “I had no guarantees to get regular playing time [at Chelsea], I was always professional but I don’t like to sit on the bench doing nothing. 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.
They expected the Koulibaly of Napoli, but I think my season was not so bad. I needed time and in one year I couldn’t prove what I wanted because of the coach’s and club’s choices. I am happy with what I learned about my limits, my family and my kids. My time had come and I had to make a decision. My team-mates sent me so many messages, they are all sorry, but I have to prepare for the Afcon. It’s the most important thing for me, Senegal want to win again, but it won’t be easy.”
Koulibaly is the squad captain for Senegal, who won the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and will begin defending their title in January 2024.