Salomon Kalou says the chance to play regularly was a key factor in his decision to join Lille when his Chelsea contract expired.
Former Chelsea attacker looking forward to fresh start at Lille
Salomon Kalou says the chance to play regular first-team football was a key factor in his decision to join Lille when his Chelsea contract expired.
The Ivory Coast international made more than 250 appearances during a six-year career at Stamford Bridge, but over 100 of those came as a substitute.
Though Kalou started last season's UEFA Champions League final win over Bayern Munich, the 26-year-old started only seven games in the Premier League last term.
Rather than opt to stay with Chelsea, the attacker decided to join French side Lille on a four-year contract and he is looking forward to a new challenge.
Right choice
"Many people are surprised I moved from Chelsea to Lille, but to be honest, for me, it was the right choice to make," Kalou told
Sky Sports.
"At Chelsea I was always under pressure because of the great names they have there. Even on my first day of training I was taking pictures with my colleagues because it was a dream for me.
"I never had a proper chance, but I played in two Champions League finals, won one and lost one. The one we won, I started the game.
"Chelsea was great to me, but not playing regularly was a main factor. In Lille, I will be one of the main men in the team, so it will be different. I can show my true talent, I think.
"I will miss the English league but I will enjoy the French league where players such as Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Lavezzi are going to play against us and other teams such as Montpellier and Marseille.
"I really can't wait to start."
