Kalidou Koulibaly writes an emotional farewell to Napoli fans thanking them for creating a ‘love story’ over eight years in Italy… with the central defender heading to Las Vegas to join Chelsea before making a move from £34 million seals
Kalidou Koulibaly has sent an emotional farewell message to the Napoli fans
The Senegalese centre-back will join Chelsea for a transfer worth £34 million
Koulibaly, 31, flies to Las Vegas to participate in the Blues’ pre-season US tour
And the mighty defender thanked Napoli supporters for creating a ‘love story’
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Kalidou Koulibaly has posted an emotional farewell message to Napoli fans ahead of his £34million move from Chelsea.
The powerful defender has completed his medical in London and will replace Antonio Rudiger, who left this summer to join Real Madrid.
But Koulibaly, 31, first wrote a farewell to supporters of his former club on social media, thanking them for creating a ‘love story’ during his eight years in Italy.
Defender Kalidou Koulibaly (above) posted an emotional goodbye message to Napoli fans
The 31-year-old Senegalese star will join Thomas Tuchel’s Blues on a deal worth £34 million
On his Twitter account, he posted a photo of himself on a plane to America to participate in Chelsea’s pre-season tour with the caption: “Napoli, terra mia” – translated to “Naples, my country” – followed by a blue heart and a signature away with his name.
On Instagram, the Senegalese international added: “June 1, 2014, an unforgettable date: my arrival in Naples, the beginning of a pure love story…
‘Thank you, Naples and Neapolitan(s), for all the love we have given each other. You were everything to me. Now I feel I have to leave and take a step back in the game, time for a new adventure.’
Mid-half Koulibaly, who made 317 appearances in all competitions for the Partenopei and scored 14 goals, will join his new teammates in Las Vegas on Thursday evening before his official arrival.
He will sign a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge but is unlikely to be the last defensive reinforcement for Blues manager Thomas Tuchel, who is also interested in Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe.
Koulibaly will be American tycoon Todd Boehly’s second acquisition of the new era as owner, after the club signed Raheem Sterling for £50 million from Manchester City on Wednesday.