Kurt Zouma Snubbed Manchester United For Chelsea FC

Chelsea FC loanee Kurt Zouma revealed to France Football magazine that he turned down offers from Manchester United and other clubs to join Chelsea FC and that it was Jose Mourinho that was the deciding factor. Zouma was purchased from St. Etienne this past January but was allowed to remain at the club on loan until the end of the season. At just 19, Zouma has been a first team player for several years and it is clear that he wishes to be at Chelsea as well.

Kurt Zouma cited Jose Mourinho’s treatment and handling of Real Madrid youngster Raphael Varane as a primary reason why he chose to come to Chelsea. Mourinho elevated Varane to the starting eleven and would often select him ahead of the much more established Portuguese international Pepe. That decision caused rifts within the Real squad but Varane proved to be one of the best young defenders in La Liga.

Kurt Zouma on his decision this January to come to Chelsea and why:

"“I really wanted to go to Chelsea. Did I have other offers? Yes, there were Internazionale, Monaco and Manchester United. All those clubs called. When I had a phone call from Mourinho, I thought someone was imitating him.First, I could hardly talk. It is very flattering to have a call from one of the best coaches in the world.He told me I have an interesting profile and he wanted to do with me what he did with Raphael Varane at Real Madrid. Thanks to him he became one of the best French defenders.When you hear that, you reply yes immediately. Being one of the best French defenders is an objective for me.”Source: London24.com"

Zouma is one of the best young prospects at centerback for Chelsea which is a position of strength with several other youngster vying for a first team place. The French defender will have to beat out Tomas Kalas and Andreas Christensen for a place in the Chelsea senior squad but it is clear that he has the tools and pedigree to do so. Mourinho will get a long look at the youngster in this summer’s preseason and he will then make the decision whether to keep him at Stamford Bridge or send him on loan to another top-flight club.

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