Papy Djilobodji transfer was 'not my choice', reveals Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

Defender could make debut this weekend

Friday 11 September 2015 13:14 BST

Papy Djilobodji (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jose Mourinho has revealed that the decision to sign relatively unknown defender Papy Djilobodji was not his choice.

Chelsea turned to the Senegal international after failing to convince Everton to sell them John Stones, despite making a final bid of around £36m for the England international.

Djilobodji arrived from Nantes on transfer deadline day for a more modest fee of £2.7m.

Mourinho said today about the signing of the 26-year-old: "It was not my choice. It was the choice of somebody I trust completely.

"I don't know every player. My job doesn't allow me to travel, doesn't allow me to spend hours and hours watching players.

"And in some moments of the market, under certain circumstances are moments where you have to trust or not the people that you work with."

Mourinho did not reveal who it was who made the recommendation, but added: "In my case I trust, because the same person that told me that Djilobodji can be a good squad player for us, was the same person who told me (about Kurt) Zouma."

Michael Emenalo, a technical director at the club, is understood to have been closely involved in the deal that brought defender Zouma to Stamford Bridge in January 2014.

Kurt Zouma was signed for £12m (GETTY IMAGES)

Djilobodji could make his debut this weekend when Chelsea, ironically, come up against Stones and Everton at Goodison Park.

The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...

iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball

iPad
http://ind.pn/ipadfootball

Android
http://ind.pn/androidfootball