John Terry reacts to Chelsea completing the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly

The Blues were in need of reinforcements at the back after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.

Koulibaly brings a wealth of experience with him to Stamford Bridge having made 317 appearances for Serie A side Napoli before his switch to west London.

The Senegal international has received a welcoming message from Blues icon John Terry, who seemingly gave the defender his blessing to wear his No.16 shirt – the number Koulibaly wore at Napoli.

‘Welcome to @chelseafc Good Luck mate ???? 26 ????,’ Terry commented on Chelsea’s Instagram post introducing the new signing.

The Chelsea legend added on another Instagram post: ‘Top signing this is ????????.’

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel will be hoping the new arrival will boost the team’s chances of competing for the Premier League title.

The German coach has described 31-year-old Koulibaly as a ‘perfect addition’ to his squad.

‘I’m very happy with him signing and joining our team,’ said Tuchel.

‘He’s now the second signing of the summer and again we have a strong player, a strong personality with big experience. From our point of view, he’s a perfect addition to the group.’

Koulibaly joins Raheem Sterling as another major signing for the Blues ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The west London club completed a £47.5m deal to bring in Sterling from Manchester City, and Tuchel is assured the winger is ready for a new chapter in his career.

‘It’s pretty obvious what he delivers and that’s exactly what you see on the pitch,’ he added.

‘I have the feeling that he’s ready, absolutely happy to be here and it’s a new chapter for his career. It’s been a relaxed first few days.’

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