Kalas was ‘fighting’ to get back to Fulham
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Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas says he turned down interest from Hull City and Premier League clubs to re-sign on loan for Fulham.
Kalas, 24, helped the Whites reach the Championship play-offs last season, playing 40 times in all competitions.
And the Czech Republic international was happy to return for a second spell at Craven Cottage because of the style of football introduced by boss Slavisa Jokanovic.[phone][/phone]
“I was fighting to get back to Fulham,” he said.
“There were other options that made sense as well, but in terms of this league I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
“Hull was an option and they’re going to have a strong team. I have been touch with different clubs as well from the Premier League but that was all stuck at the one point and didn’t go any further.
“But I knew everything at Fulham – the way we play, what position I will have here. That was kind of decisive in my decision.”
Prior to rejoining Fulham, Kalas was part of the Chelsea squad that travelled to China and Singapore for a pre-season training camp, playing the final 13 minutes of the 3-0 friendly win over Arsenal.
He also signed a new four-year deal at Stamford Bridge this summer, suggesting he feels he can one day become a regular despite having made just three first-team appearances.
“Now, it looks like an impossible thing but I wouldn’t have signed a contract [otherwise]. People don’t know what conversations there are between player and the club,” he said.
“I’m quite pleased that I went to China and Singapore. I think I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and training with these players is always a lesson for me.
“I got fit and I gained some experienced from Antonio Conte and his methods.
“I was learning every day, but at the end of the day it’s about playing time and I knew that I would get it at Fulham.”
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