TOSIN Adarabioyo has revealed he called his former Manchester City team-mates Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer before deciding on a move to Chelsea.
Adarabioyo was revealed as the Blues’ first signing of the summer on Friday, and Enzo Maresca’s first signing as manager, after moving from Fulham on a free transfer.
Defender Adarabioyo played with Sterling and Palmer at Manchester City, where current Chelsea coach Willy Caballero was also a goalkeeper.
“I spent two or three years with Raz and Willy, and I spent most of my youth journey with Cole,” Adarabioyo said in his first interview on Chelsea’s website.
“Before confirming the move, I gave Raz and Cole a call and they had nothing but positive things to say about the club and the project, and how excited they were that I was coming to the club.
“Cole is younger than me but I remember him from younger days alongside a few of the other boys that I’ve met along the way like Ben Chilwell. Chilly and I were both captains in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals. I also know Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja because [the latter] spent time at Fulham.”
Adarabioyo made his professional debut against Chelsea in the FA Cup in 2016. It was a big learning experience as a Blues side containing Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Willian won 5-1.
Adarabioyo said: ‘If you can’t beat them, join them! Chelsea have always had a best-in-class reputation, so I know what this club is all about.
“I played quite well and was named Man City’s player of the match, which was nice.
‘Growing up, Chelsea has always been a club that have performed well and one that have had great players and teams to watch. Chelsea have won big trophies and long may it continue.
“I’m here to win. I want to win. It’s as simple as that really. I just want to keep working and pushing the team and the club in the direction we want to go in. I’m excited to get going.”
