As former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko had a word with the French media, he recalled his exit from Stamford Bridge in the summer summer.
The 29-year-old had returned from a loan at AC Milan, and by not being in the Blues’ plans, he had to choose the best club to sign for.
Bakayoko talked a little about the proccess, claiming FC Lorient and Chelsea had been speaking for a while. The quotes come from L’Equipe.
“The first contacts were made about three weeks before I signed. There were a lot of conversations about the game and it became very logical in my head,” said Bakayoko.
“I thought it was the project that suited me best, in a fairly family-run club, far from all the high-pressure clubs I’ve known. I was keen to find a project that would suit me and a coach I knew.”
Bakayoko arrived at Chelsea on a €40m deal from Monaco. With an unimpressive first season with the Blues, he started getting loaned out.
The midfielder had spells at AC Milan, Monaco, Napoli and a two-year stay with the Rossoneri, who didn’t move for his permanent transfer in the last window.
So despite the five years Bakayoko belonged to Chelsea, he ended up leaving the club with just 34 appearances for the Premier League side. He then joined Lorient in a free move, signing a two-year contract, and has only managed to play for 45 minutes at his new club so far.
