Demba Ba has expressed his utmost displeasure over an incident which made him unable to make a transfer to Arsenal some years back.
In the year 2013, the striker was on the verge of signing a loan deal with Arsenal but unfortunately, the deal was blocked by the then Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager later gave his reason for doing that as being that he did not want to further strengthen Arsenal who signed Mesut Ozil at that time.
Ba, even though he respects the boss' decision, is still not happy with him for the role he played in denying him an Emirates Stadium move.
“I think back to the day when Jose Mourinho blocked my Chelsea loan at Arsenal,” Ba told France Football.
“It was the time of his return to the club, and I think it would have been a very good move. It happened on the last day of the transfer window.
“I was in Paris, at rest, and Arsenal representatives called me to tell me it was going to happen.
“I then came back to London for the medical. Upon arriving, I was left surprised that Mr Mourinho had blocked my move to Arsenal. Mesut Ozil arrived, and to strengthen a competitor like Arsenal was very complicated if it worked.”
“I understand Mourinho’s decision as a coach, but as a player, you are frustrated,” added Ba.
“Then, the second turning point comes when I decided to leave Chelsea for Besiktas. Mourinho came to ask me to stay, promising me more playing time next season.
“But upon returning from vacation, I decided not to follow his request. I thought it was probably going to be like the last season.
“In the end, there was only Diego Costa and if I had been there I would have actually played more.”
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