Tosin Adarabioyo has revealed that the presence of two Chelsea first-team players was a decisive factor in his choice to sign with the Blues, rejecting offers from other top clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool.
The 26-year-old defender’s move from Fulham to Chelsea was made official earlier this week after his contract with Fulham came to an end.
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Both Liverpool and Newcastle had shown interest in the seasoned centre-back, and Manchester United reportedly entered the fray late, trying to divert his move to Stamford Bridge.
Their attempts were unsuccessful, and Chelsea has proudly announced Adarabioyo as their inaugural acquisition under the guidance of Enzo Maresca.
Adarabioyo will find himself in a familiar environment at Chelsea, having developed his skills at Manchester City alongside players like Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling. He is also well-acquainted with Willy Caballero, who is now a part of Maresca’s coaching staff, from their time together at the Etihad.
‘I spent two or three years with Raz and Willy, and I spent most of my youth journey with Cole,’ he explained.
‘Before confirming the move, I gave Raz and Cole a call and they had nothing but positive things to say about the club and the project, and how excited they were that I was coming to the club.
‘Cole is younger than me but I remember him from younger days alongside a few of the other boys that I’ve met along the way like Ben Chilwell – Chilly and I were both captains in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
‘I also know Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja because he spent time at Fulham.’
Chelsea’s need for defensive reinforcements was heightened by the exit of Thiago Silva at the end of last campaign but Adarabioyo is confident he can fill the void.
He added: ‘I’ve developed leaps and bounds,’ he continued. ‘I’ve become a man and established myself as a top Premier League centre-half. That’s why I’ve joined Chelsea.
‘Being a leader comes to me naturally. It’s something that is required of a centre-half. It’s an important responsibility. I want to come here and push the boys on as much as we can.’
Maresca, meanwhile, is yet to be unveiled by Chelsea as their new manager, but Adarabioyo cannot wait to get started and work under his new coach.
He said: ‘I’m looking forward to starting work with Enzo and I’m sure the boys are too,’ he added.
‘It’s going to be exciting. We’re going to play good football and win a lot of games. There are top players in this squad and I’m eager to play with them all.’
