“If it’s Mourinho, let’s make a video call.” It’s not a prank call!

 Eric Bailly couldn't believe it when he received a call from manager Jose Mourinho.

In an interview with Britain's 'The Athletic' on the 3rd (Korean time), Bai confessed how he came to transfer to Manchester United.

Bailly, who is from Ivory Coast, moved to Spain to play soccer and developed his dream of becoming a player at Espanyol. Bailly was recognized for his potential immediately in his first professional year and headed to Villarreal. Bailly, who showed outstanding skills at Villarreal, moved to Manchester United ahead of the 2016-17 season.

At the time, Manchester United acknowledged the failures of the Louis van Gaal system and were preparing for a new start by appointing manager Jose Mourinho. Manager Mourinho believed his centre-backs needed reinforcement and chose Bailly as his first signing for Manchester United.

Coach Mourinho called Bailly directly and persuaded him. "I got a call from a Portuguese number. I didn't know anyone in Portugal and I couldn't speak Portuguese. When I thought about it, my old teammate was there. So I answered: Who are you?" he said, making his first contact with Mourinho. We talked about currency.

After hearing Coach Mourinho say, "I am Coach Mourinho. Are you willing to play for Manchester United for me?", Bailly could not believe the reality. He said: "I felt like I was hallucinating. I thought it was a guy playing a prank to torment me. Who would believe Mourinho was calling me? So I told the manager to verify that it was him over a video call. Mourinho said "I really did it. It was Mourinho. My mother was next to me. Mourinho said he wanted to bring me to Manchester United," he recalled.

Mourinho even used his favorite student, Didier Drogba, to persuade Bailly. When Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola tried to use Yaya Toure to bring in Baily, he persuaded him through Drogba. Bailly was impressed by coach Mourinho's efforts and moved to Manchester United.

Bailly soon moved to Manchester United and enjoyed a happy first season, establishing himself as a starting player. He had a successful start to his Manchester United career, winning the UEFA Europa League, Football League Cup and Community Shield.

However, Bailly has suffered from many minor injuries since his time at Villarreal, and injuries became more frequent at Manchester United. Meanwhile, coach Mourinho was sacked, and new coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer officially took office. After Solskjaer took over, Bailly was chosen in his own way, but injuries were still a problem. Ultimately, Bailly parted ways with Manchester United at the end of the 2021-22 season.

After playing for Marseille and Besiktas, Bailly decided to return to his former team, Villarreal, this season.

for more info check this :  온라인카지노