“Why I chose Barcelona over Chelsea” – Jules Kounde

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has revealed his reasons for joining the Spanish giants instead of Chelsea this summer.

The 23-year-old seemed all set to sign for the Blues in a £56m deal but Barcelona swooped in to hijack the deal from them.

Kounde has admitted that he preferred the Barcelona project more and that Xavi sold him on the idea and was more convincing than Thomas Tuchel.

Speaking to French publication L’Equipe, the defender said: “First, I come to a huge club, which has known good times and which, lately, has had less.

“I come to a project that I would not call reconstruction, because we already have a competitive team, but rather, being upturned.

“I was interested in being part of this new wave, in search of titles, and to put Barça back where it has always been, among the best clubs.

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“Then there was the conversation with the coach. We talked about football, mainly. I felt a real confidence from him, that he had a real knowledge of myself, my game and my qualities.

“I spoke with Tuchel and I also felt that he wanted me to come but I simply preferred Xavi’s speech.

Since missing Barcelona’s first two games of the season due to financial restrictions, Kounde has been a regular in the team.

The Catalans currently sit second in La Liga despite their unbeaten start, two points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid.

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