Koulibaly has no regrets swapping Chelsea for Al-Hilal: Playing with Neymar is special

Kalidou Koulibaly has no regrets leaving Chelsea for the Saudi Pro League.

The former Napoli captain lasted just one season in England before signing for Al Hilal.

He said: "The country surprised me, even the city. Life is very beautiful, the people are respectful. They immediately put me at ease. It's a little hot, but it's a wonderful experience.

"There are many differences with Europe. It's very hot and we train in the evening, around 7 or 8 pm. I discovered many new things. I am lucky enough to play with great footballers.

"Neymar is a great footballer, one of the best I have ever played with. We have the wrong image of him, I see a different person compared to social media. I see a great professional, he is not yet at 100% but he will grow.

"He is a very good and kind person who likes to joke. To those who say he is an arrogant person, it is exactly the opposite, he always stops to take photos with the fans and is very helpful."

On Saudi Arabia and its transfer spending, the Senegal international added: "They have very big ideas, they want to bring as many players as possible, but they don't take random players and they have studied well who to take.

"Now it isn't yet, but in the future it will become a very important championship. Some Arabian players here will be able to play in Europe, they are very good."