Chelsea allegedly denied Gullit access to their facilities, instead offering him a lavish lunch in Kensington and convincing him to sign a contract in that setting, according to Scott Minto's account of Chelsea's major transfer move.
Ruud Gullit's Arrival at Chelsea: A Turning Point in the Club's History
Ruud Gullit, the 1987 Ballon d'Or winner and former European champion, marked a significant turning point for Chelsea Football Club in 1995. Despite the club's home, Stamford Bridge, being a building site at the time, Gullit was convinced to join by Glenn Hoddle, the club's manager, who envisioned a new era of glamour and success for the Blues.
Hoddle's persuasion was not based on the existing facilities, which were of lower-league level, but rather on the opportunity to be part of a transformative project. Gullit, a top-level player and soon-to-be player-manager, was enticed by the promise of shaping Chelsea's future success.
The deal for Gullit's signing was finalized outside of the Chelsea facilities, as Hoddle refused to show them to the superstar. The Premier League had completed its third season, and other high-profile players such as Dennis Bergkamp, Georgi Kinkladze, and Tony Yeboah were also joining the league.
Upon joining, Gullit faced a challenging environment. The training facilities were far from ideal, and the players, including Gullit himself, often had to change in the corridors due to the lack of facilities. However, Gullit seemed unfazed and was accepted as one of the boys by the team.
Gullit's arrival signalled a breakthrough moment for Chelsea, ushering in a new era of continental players that helped raise the club's profile. Despite the initial obstacles, Gullit led the side to the 1996/97 FA Cup, cementing his place in Chelsea's history.
Off the pitch, Gullit was considered a normal, approachable person by his teammates. He often socialized with them after training, frequenting pubs and nightclubs in London. His presence undoubtedly had a positive impact on the team's morale and performance.
In a notable gesture, Hoddle took Gullit out for a lunch in Kensington to persuade him to sign for Chelsea. The lunch, it seems, was successful, as Gullit ended his playing career at Stamford Bridge, leaving a lasting legacy on the club.
In conclusion, Ruud Gullit's arrival at Chelsea was more than just a signing. It was a symbol of change, a beacon of hope for a club on the cusp of greatness. Gullit's influence extended beyond the pitch, helping to raise the club's profile and instilling a sense of belief in the team and its potential for success.
Gullit, drawn by the prospect of shaping Chelsea's future success, joined the Premier League in 1995, as other notable players like Dennis Bergkamp and Georgi Kinkladze were also joining European-leagues at the time. Despite the challenging training conditions, Gullit's arrival signalled a breakthrough moment for Chelsea, ushering in a new era of continental players and helping raise the club's profile, leading to their win in the 1996/97 FA Cup.
