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.
“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.”
