View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

Eric Bailly: If Jose Mourinho Calls, You Can't Say No

Eric Bailly: If Jose Mourinho Calls, You Can't Say No

Eric Bailly has revealed that he snubbed Manchester City for Manchester United after receiving a phone-call from Jose Mourinho.

The Ivorian defender was one of Mourinho's first signings at United after he joined from Villarreal in 2016 and helped the club win the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

However, Bailly could have ended up in the blue half of Manchester if it wasn't for a personal phone call from Mourinho.

"In the summer of 2016 there were many rumours," he told Mundo Deportivo.

"I was in Ivory Coast, in the dining room at home with my mother when the phone rang. It was a Portuguese number; Mourinho. He told me to come with him, that he liked me since he saw me with Espanyol and Villarreal.

"Manchester City were also interested, but if Mourinho calls you, you can't say no.

"You can't say no to Barca either. It just didn't happen because the interest was not public or so explicit."

Comments

Top 5

European Scouts Impressed By Chiefs Midfielder

Jul 16, 2025 10:31 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Chiefs' Early Move To Lock Down Winger

Jul 17, 2025 12:45 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Wydad 'Ditch' Lorch Pursuit

Jul 17, 2025 12:12 PM in African Football

R120m For Mofokeng? How PSV's Linked To Pirates Sensation

Jul 16, 2025 01:41 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Pirates Plot Possible Late Swoop Amid Transfer Buzz

Jul 16, 2025 02:48 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Insiders: Who Will Take Over From Maart As Chiefs Captain?

Jul 18, 2025 10:46 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Mokwena: 'I'll Have More Fun In Algeria'

Jul 16, 2025 11:25 AM in African Football

Human Headlines PSL Targets, Mngonyama & Mlambo Updates

Jul 18, 2025 08:50 AM in Siyagobhoza

NEW: Liverpool 'Ready' To Break Club Transfer Record Again

Jul 16, 2025 07:08 AM in English-Premier-League