Zouma reveals why he chose the Blues over the Red Devils.
Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has revealed why he moved to west London from Saint-Etienne rather than to Manchester United.
The 19-year-old completed a £12m transfer to Stamford Bridge on deadline day in the January window, before immediately being loaned back to his former club.
United were also in the hunt for the France Under-21 captain, but Zouma has admitted that it was Jose Mourinho that convinced him the Blues were a better choice.
“He told me I have an interesting profile and he wanted to do with me what he did with Raphael Varane at Real Madrid. Thanks to him he became one of the best French defenders,” the teenager was quoted by Sky Sports.
“I really wanted to go to Chelsea. Did I have other offers? Yes, there were Internazionale, Monaco and Manchester United. All those clubs called.
“Monaco was the first to call, with the sport director. I thought about it, but with Mr Mourinho, that is a strong signal.
“By signing at Chelsea I am keen to reach a new level.”
The Frenchman is yet to play a game for his new club, but with David Luiz having agreed a deal to join Paris Saint-Germain there is every chance Zouma will be brought back to the Premier League to compete for a place in central defence with Gary Cahill and John Terry.
Under the guidance of Mourinho, Varane has become recognised as one of the finest young players in world football and both parties will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around.
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