Jose Mourinho, who has begun building a team for next season, has made a central defender his first signing.

Minutes ago, Manchester United unveiled Ivorian defender, Eric Bertrand Bailly who was signed from Villarreal CF on a four year contract with an option of a two-year extension.

Eric still has to wait to play as the process for his work permit is still in the works.

On why he went for Eric, the Portuguese manager said, “Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.”

“We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development.”

For the young player, the move is indeed a dream come true.

He said, “It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.”

“I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.”

A fun fact: Mourinho also signed an African player as one of his first set of signings at Chelsea in his first season at the club in 2004. That player was in fact an Ivorian – Didier Drogba, who was purchased for a record fee of 24 million pounds.