Manchester United defender Eric Baily has revealed that it was the former captain of his national team, Didier Drogba, that convinced him to make the move to Old Trafford.
The young Ivory Coast international told The Times that Drogba played a big role in ensuring he moved to Manchester United. The Red Devils new boy was the first signing of Jose Mourinho as he took over the helms at the English Premier League giant.
Baily signed from Spanish side Villareal, ignoring interests from other clubs keen in his signature. “I prefer Mourinho in part because of Didier Drogba, who Mourinho has worked with. I know Didier from Ivory Coast, he is a friend, and he spoke to me and told me; ‘Jose did this for me, Jose did that for me,’” Baily said.
Baily also said his fellow country international at Manchester City Yaya Toure tried convincing him to make an alternate move but didn’t succeed. He said Toure wanted him to move to City but once his current manager spoke to him and Drogba advised him, he agreed immediately. Baily is hoping to grow under Mourinho who managed Drogba under two successful spells where he won the English Premier League three times.
Baily is set to partner with Chris Smalling in central defence when the season begins as they attempt to win the League in Mourinho’s first spell in charge. Drogba on the other hand is bidding his time before ending his pretty successful career at Montreal Impact. He just got a red card when they played DC United when he knee tapped Marcelo Sarvas. The referee was close by, though the player grabbed his neck leading up to the incident, Drogba’s reaction earned him an instant red card but the 10-man team equalized.