Chelsea

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Andreas Christensen opens up on Chelsea exit, explaining why it is ‘right time’ to leave

Andreas Christensen Chelsea March 2022

Andreas Christensen has admitted his decision to leave Chelsea has been far from easy, but explains why it is the “right time” to try something new.

Christensen will leave Chelsea as a free agent at the end of the month, when his contract expires. He is expected to sign for Barcelona, but there have been delays in the registration process there. Still, the end is now in sight, with an announcement from the La Liga club believed to be imminent.

Before he can look forward, the Denmark international has taken one final look back. He is leaving Chelsea at the age of 26 with 160 appearances behind him.

Christensen has fulfilled dreams with Chelsea, but still felt it was time for a change after a decade with the club.

“I had a tough decision to make at the age of 16 to leave Denmark,” Christensen wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Chelsea means a lot to Andreas Christensen

Chelsea star Andreas Christensen

“Having spent 10 amazing years at this club, I felt now was the right time for a new beginning for me and my family.

“Mentally the last few months have been tough 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.”

Although Christensen only played in half of Chelsea’s Premier League matches last season, his exit is an issue in an area the club will need to reinvest in.

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