Rudi Garcia has described Salomon Kalou as ‘full of talent’ after the former Chelsea forward debuted for Lille in a friendly.
The Ivory Coast international played the second half as Lille drew 0-0 with Portuguese giants Benfica, and the French side’s coach admitted to being impressed with what he saw in Metz on Sunday, but now wants the 26-year-old to begin building up match fitness.
“We have seen that Kalou is a guy full of talent,” Garcia told France Football.
“He’ll have to get fitter, but it’s a good start in the team for him.”
Kalou was released by Chelsea at the end of the season after making just 12 league appearances for the Blues in in the 2011-12 term.
Lille may also have to begin their 2012-13 Ligue 1 campaign without Mathieu Debuchy, as the wantaway France full-back has been heavily linked with moves to Newcastle United and Inter.
