Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has revealed in his official statements to the Chelsea fans that he felt that it was the right time to leave the club after spending 10 years at Club.
Andreas Christensen joined Chelsea at the age of 16 years from Brøndby on a free transfer. Christensen rose through the ranks at Chelsea making his senior debut in October 2014.
The Denish international scored 2 goals in 161 appearances for Chelsea. He won the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the UEFA Europa League with the Blues.
Christensen decided to end his ten years stay at the Stamford Bridge after down a contract offer from Chelsea. The 26 years old defender is expected to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.
According to reports by Evening Standard, Andreas Christensen’s decision to turn down the new contract offer by Chelsea angered the Chelsea board and Thomas Tuchel. Andrew Christensen will join Antonio Rudiger as the second Chelsea defender to leave this summer on a free transfer.
Antonio Rudiger was unveiled as Real Madrid’s new defender last week. Chelsea is in the transfer market seeking to replace Rudiger and Christensen.
What did Andreas Christensen say about Chelsea’s exit?
The 26 years old in an emotional message to the Chelsea fans said:” I had a tough decision to make at the age of 16 to leave Denmark.
“I met many different clubs but there was only ever one choice for me and that was Chelsea. From the moment I arrived, they made me feel at home, I’m grateful to Jim Fraser and Neil Bath who immediately embraced me as part of their family.
“Some of my proudest moments at the club were when we won FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League. Those were a special group of young players that I was proud to have as teammates.
“I was fortunate to play under some fantastic managers including [Antonio] Conte, [Jose] Mourinho, and now Thomas Tuchel. Last year was my proudest achievement as a player when we lifted the Champions League in Porto.
“I was a young boy at Chelsea with all the hopes and fears of a player starting his career, I’m grateful to the whole club for making my dream come true.”
“Having spent ten amazing years at this club, I felt now was the right time for a new beginning for my family and me,” he added. “Mentally the last few months have been challenging as it’s not been an easy decision to leave this club and the fans.
“I’m not the most talkative person so sometimes people don’t understand how much the club and the fans mean to me. I will miss the players, staff, and everyone here. I wish the best for the club and the fans in the future.”
Chelsea has confirmed on their official website that Petr Cech, Chelsea Technical and performance Advisor will leave the club effective 30th June.
Petr Cech has been occupying the role of the club’s technical and performance advisor for the past three years.