With Kepa Arrizabalaga struggling, Chelsea were in the market for a goalkeeper last year and they signed Mendy from Rennes for a fee of €25m.
The 29-year-old wasted little time in establishing himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and has been a key performer for the Blues this season.
Mendy claimed that he heard about Chelsea’s interest in him a few years ago, but conceded that he did not believe that it was serious enough.
But he revealed that it became clear to him last year that if Chelsea were to sign a goalkeeper, he would be one of their top targets.
He admitted that the deal took a while to complete but feels that the way things have turned out, everyone was eventually happy with what happened last summer.
Mendy told French sports daily L’Equipe: “I started hearing about Chelsea during my second season in Reims, my first in Ligue 1. I told myself that they had to be there just for a look and I was one of many.
“Afterwards, I left Reims for Rennes.
“For my development, they were the ideal club. They were discovering Europe and I was developing while still being at the club.
“And from there, it is true that contacts with Chelsea were more pronounced.
“I was telling myself, maybe the list was shrinking and then the season was stopped.
“In March 2020, I really heard about their intentions and the idea that if there was a change in goalkeeping, I was on the shortlist.
“Then there was the resumption of the Premier League, we had to wait, and then the clubs got in touch in July.
“It was a long time, since it only ended in September, but in the end, I am where I wanted to be.
“I think Rennes got a good return on their investment and Chelsea are satisfied so everyone is happy.”
Mendy has kept 15 clean sheets in 27 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season.
