Ivory Coast won 3-1 in last night’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers against neighbors Mali but prior to the encounter, Manchester United star defender Eric Bailly, who played a huge defensive role for the Ivorian team, shared a bit of his challenges in England and more.

Image: Eric Bailly

Jose Mourinho‘s first signing in last summer’s transfer window revealed to the press that he’s working hard to improve his English so he could fit in perfectly well at the English Premier League club.

The 22-year-old was signed from Villarreal on a £30 million transfer fee.

The Ivorian defender says coach Jose Mourinho inspired his desire to learn English in order communicate better with teammates.

“The people have been very friendly with me, the players too,” Bailly told ESPN.

“There are players who speak Spanish and French and they help me integrate. I’ve just started having English classes, too. Little by little!

“It’s important for the other players to have confidence in you. It was my dream since being a child to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and now I’m here, I’m going to take that chance.

“From when I heard United were interested in me, I’ve been very happy. Manchester as a city is tranquil, very different to Barcelona, but it’s a good place to be a footballer.”

Bailly’s team has already launched a successful 2018 World Cup campaign. Ivory Coast are leaders in Group C, followed by Gabon, Morocco and Mali.