On Friday, June 7, 2024, Chelsea officially announced the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo, and the defender has explained why he chose the Blues.
Earlier last month, Adarabioyo announced his intentions to leave Fulham as a free agent after having spent four years at Craven Cottage.
The 26-year-old defender was initially heavily linked with Newcastle United and Manchester United before Chelsea swayed him away from the Magpies and the Red Devils.
The former Manchester City defender has explained why he chose to make a move to the Blues instead.
Why Chelsea?
In his first interview with Chelsea, Adarabioyo said: “Growing up, Chelsea has always been a club that have performed well and one that have had great players and teams to watch.
“Chelsea have won big trophies and long may it continue.
“I’m here to win. I want to win.
“It’s as simple as that really.
“I just want to keep working and pushing the team and the club in the direction we want to go in.
“I’m excited to get going.”
Adarabioyo made his senior debut in a loss to Chelsea in 2016, he said: “If you can’t beat them, join them [laughs]!
“Chelsea have always had a best-in-class reputation, so I know what this club is all about.
“I came up against a full-strength Chelsea squad that day – it was amazing!
“A tough game but to make my debut against the likes of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian was a great experience.
‘I played quite well and was named Man City’s player of the match which was nice.”
“Why Chelsea?
“I spent two or three years with Raheem Sterling and Willy Caballero, and I spent most of my youth journey with Cole Palmer.
Priority
“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.”
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Adarabioyo became a priority for Chelsea as soon as Thiago Silva announced his departure from Stamford Bridge as a free agent.
The 26-year-old has now signed a four-year-long contract with the Blues as he became the club’s first signing under new boss Enzo Maresca.
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