As the goalkeeper and a key defender at the Africa Cup of Nations, the pair played a big part in their country capturing that famous trophy for the first time in its history, with some memorable celebrations following.

Now they have been reunited in Las Vegas with the news of Koulibaly becoming our second big-name signing of the summer, so we turned to Mendy to tell us about the latest arrival.

‘I’ve known Kalidou for a while now. He was the first one who welcomed me in the national team so we were in the same room at first, when I first met him, when I got my first call-up, so the feeling was amazing.

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‘If you talk about his qualities on the pitch, I think I will let the people and the Chelsea fans see this player and I hope they will enjoy watching him. He's a top player, as everybody knows, but he is a top person and that's why in the dressing room he’s a very good addition.’

Mendy indicates that Koulibaly is one of those players who likes to let his actions on the pitch do the talking for him, but he is the Senegal national team captain, and therefore is a leader.

‘He is a guy who likes the responsibility,’ our goalie confirms, ‘but also he can joke with everyone, so we need this kind of person. And I think everybody's going to be happy with him and what they see.

‘Every year we had this - the link with Chelsea and Kalidou in the media - and this year it happens so I am happy!’