New Chelsea signing Gary Cahill has revealed Andre Villas-Boas made a big impression on him when persuading the England international to move to Stamford Bridge, claiming he had been “fantastic” and that it was “nice to be wanted”.
Cahill signed for the Blues in a deal believed to worth around £7 million and also had some parting words for his manager at Bolton, Owen Coyle, stating he was delighted to be able to leave while still on good terms with him, and everyone else associated with the club.
Speaking of his new boss, Cahill emphasised the impression Villas-Boas had on him when persuading him to move to London and admitted it felt nice being wanted by the Blues.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Cahill said: “He [Villas-Boas] has been fantastic. When I did speak to the manager, the impression he had on me was massive.
“Like I said, it is always nice to be wanted by the manager, it gives you confidence when you are coming to a new club and I look forward to working under him, that is for sure.”
As well as thanking Coyle and the Bolton fans, Cahill was greatly appreciative of the chance he was given at the Reebok Stadium, particularly with regards to proving his ability for England.
He went on: “A lot of times nowadays people leave clubs on bad notes but for me, I think it was clear it is a career move.
“I have got nothing but thanks for Bolton, they gave me the platform and the manager there has been fantastic for me.
“I played for England off the back of playing for Bolton so I would like to thank the fans there for making me feel at home for the four years that I played there.
“So it was nice to leave on good terms and the last game I played for them we won and I scored so it was a fantastic end to my career there.”