EXCLUSIVE: Bailly on 'father figure' Mourinho and Ivory Coast's World Cup hopes

Flashscore sat down with Eric Bailly, currently playing for Real Oviedo, to talk about Old Trafford memories, dressing room legends, and what comes next for him.

You were spotted at a youth tournament at 17 and moved from the Ivory Coast to Spain. What does that move mean to you looking back?

"It holds very good memories for me. Playing football had always been my dream, and when you are young and growing up in Africa, you know how difficult it is to make it to Europe. But all my memories of that time are positive."

You won the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast in 2015, very early in your international career. What do you remember about that?

"It was my first call-up to the national team, and winning the Africa Cup is the dream of every child growing up in Africa. I will never forget that time. Even talking about it now makes me happy."

How far do you think Ivory Coast can go at the World Cup this year?

"We have a very good team. Young players with real talent. Amad Diallo, for example, I played with him at Manchester (United) and he is an exceptional talent. We also have players with good experience. At the World Cup, you need that mix of youth and experience, and we have both."

Can you compare this squad to the 2015 team that won AFCON?

"It is very different. When you talk about players like Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure, that was a different generation. Now we have a new generation. That is why at the World Cup you need experienced players alongside the young ones. But I think we can make it beautiful."

You signed for Manchester United in 2016. What was the shock of arriving at a club of that size?

"It is everything... The size, the pressure, everything. When you are young and you believe in your dream of playing professional football, you never think something like that can happen.

"Signing a professional contract when I started in Spain was already a dream. Then, to play for Manchester United, it was unbelievable. The pressure I felt was positive. The manager gave me the chance to give my best, and I tried to give everything. It was a happy experience."

We cannot talk about your time at United without mentioning Jose Mourinho. What was it like to work with him day by day?

"Everyone knows Jose Mourinho. For me, he is one of the best coaches in the world. What surprised people is that he gave a chance to a young player like me, while he had so many big names. I knew I had to give absolutely everything. I still have contact with him today.

"He was like a father figure to the players. He gave confidence, he gave positive things. In training, he was intense; he wanted the best from you, but after training, he was different; you could go and speak with him. I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to play at Manchester and win trophies."

Did criticism from legends like Roy Keane and Gary Neville affect you personally?

"Every player has a different mentality. For me, players like Roy Keane and Paul Scholes are legends, and I think they should be helping the team. Some of those comments don't make sense to me. When you are young, it hits harder; now at 32, it is different. You develop a thicker skin."

When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho, how much did things change?

"Every coach brings something different. I had a similar good relationship with Ole. We had good times and bad times. But I always felt Manchester United was like a family."

What do you think of Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager?

"In the current situation, I think he is the right man. When he came in, he brought good things, and the team started winning games. I think Manchester United should give him time. I believe Carrick can turn the situation around."

What was it like in the dressing room when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to United in 2021?

"For me, Cristiano is the best player in the world. When he came back, everyone was happy. He made a huge impact. His dedication was incredible. First in, last out every single day. I was not happy with how it ended for him at the club, but Cristiano gave everything. You only have to look at what he is still doing in Saudi Arabia at his age. He is incredible."

What memories do you have of playing alongside Paul Pogba?

"He's crazy, but in a good way. Paul Pogba is a very good player. He has been through a difficult time, and I speak with him like a brother. I believe in him. I hope he can come back and show what he is capable of again."

Would you already call Bruno Fernandes a legend of Manchester United?

"Personally, yes, I think he is already a legend. What he has done consistently over a long period at that level is not easy. He is the leader, the captain, the best player at the club right now. I hope he stays at Manchester for a long time."

You and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a special relationship. Most players seemed intimidated by him - how did that start?

"The dressing room is like a family. I was very close to him. He is a very good player, and our relationship is special. What he did at Manchester was extraordinary. But yes, some players were scared of him; he is crazy. In a positive way, always in a positive way."

You were loaned to Olympique de Marseille. What was that experience like?

"It was another important experience. I went there because I was not getting enough minutes at United, I needed game time to come back stronger. When I returned to Manchester, I made the decision to leave the club. I keep in touch with players like Bruno and Amad. Now I am carrying on my career in Spain, and I am happy."

Having played in both, how do you compare LaLiga and the Premier League?

"They are both different and both very strong competitions. The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world, but when you look at what Spanish clubs do in the Champions League, you see the quality is there too. LaLiga is very technical. The Premier League is more physical. I found myself in both, that tells you something."

Have you thought about life after football?

"You always have a plan in the back of your mind, but you never know exactly how it will go. I cannot see myself leaving football. I would love to go back to Africa and help talented young players, bring them to Europe, and help them understand the game. That is my first thought."