Demba Ba: I was ready to join Arsenal before move fell through
Demba Ba admits he was ready to join Arsenal before the Chelsea striker’s move to The Emirates fell through
Demba Ba admits he was ready to join Arsenal before the Chelsea striker’s move to The Emirates fell through.
The Senegal international was on the verge of a loan switch to the Gunners on deadline day after Chelsea signed former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o on a free transfer.
But the Blues are thought to have blocked the deal after the north Londoners signed Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
Ba has scored just two goals in 14 Premier League appearances after joining the Blues in a £7m deal from Newcastle United in January.
Jose Mourinho has since replaced Rafael Benítez at Stamford Bridge – and the 28-year-old insists he is focused on impressing the new boss after missing out on a last-minute switch to Arsenal.
“I think the boss [Mourinho] spoke about it,” said Ba ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League group-stage opener against Basel.
“I spoke to him before [the move] and I can’t tell you what we said on the phone.
“But I said if I did stay that I will keep fighting for the club. That’s what happened.”
He added: “This is football. I was ready to go and play there [at Arsenal] but it didn’t happen. I think I’m a good professional and I’ve always worked hard to get what I have.
“I wanted to play and I want to play. It all depends on me and my performances on the pitch. If I play good, I’ll deserve to play and the manager will pick me. That’s how he is.”
