New Chelsea signing Nicolas Jackson has revealed that Sadio Mane's glowing opinion of Mauricio Pochettino helped push him towards Stamford Bridge.
The former Villarreal striker, 22, has signed for the Blues in a transfer deal worth £30million, joining Pochettino's first batch of summer acquisitions alongside French attacker Christopher Nkunku and a slew of young prospects. Jackson's breakout season in LaLiga, in which he scored 12 goals in 26 games, saw him attract plenty of suitors, but the verdict of Senegal international team-mate and ex-Liverpool star Mane helped sway his decision.
"I spoke to Sadio Mane about him and he spoke very highly of [Pochettino], he said amazing things about him," the 22-year-old told Chelsea's official website. "Sadio told me the manager is going to help me a lot to improve and do well if I listen to what he has to tell me, so that is exactly what I'm going to do."
Although Mane's opinion weighed heavy, Jackson was also convinced to join the Blues because of two other former Premier League stars, namely ex-Chelsea strikers Didier Drogba and Senegalese compatriot Demba Ba. "I watched English football when I was in Africa and now I am here, so it's a good feeling for me," the dynamic forward continued.
"I grew up watching the Premier League because for me it is the best league in the world, so I love the Premier League and I know a lot about it and Chelsea. I met Demba when I went to Senegal with the national team and wanted to ask him about Chelsea when I saw him during the last international break, but I couldn't because there were too many people around.
"So, I decided to wait and text him about it once I have signed for Chelsea and send him the shirt I wore for my signing, too." Jackson went on to say: "I wanted to join a big team and Chelsea is one of the best teams in the world, plus I've watched them since I was young. I watched Demba Ba, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka [of France] was good too, big players."
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Indeed, one of Chelsea's most iconic moments has benefited the Blues 11 years later. Drogba's dramatic late equaliser and winning penalty against Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final was watched by millions around the world, including Jackson.
"I always dreamed of playing for a team like this. When Chelsea came there was no question in my mind," he explained. "I always had this kind of team in my mind. I talked to my family and my agent and I have icons who played here - Drogba and Ba, big strikers. So when Chelsea came my heart said the answer should be yes and I decided to follow it and come here.
"I remember the Champions League final in 2012 and especially when Drogba scored that header right at the end. I watched those players for Chelsea when I was growing up so I decided to follow in their footsteps. Hopefully that's what continues to happen now I'm here."
Jackson is in line to make his first official appearance for Chelsea when they host Liverpool on Sunday, August 13. The fixture presents a tricky start for Pochettino and co, who hope to quickly banish memories of the Blues' nightmare 2022-23 campaign which saw them finish 12th in the Premier Leagie.
