Jadon Sancho gave an explanation for his choice to join Chelsea, a Premier League team, instead of Manchester United on deadline day.
Sancho joined Chelsea on a season-long loan after he sealed a last-minute departure from Old Trafford in the closing moments of the summer transfer window.
A purchase commitment ranging from £20 to £25 million is part of the loan arrangement, depending on the player’s success in west London.
“I’m really excited to be here,” Sancho said. I was born and raised in London, and I’m glad to be returning.
‘It’s been a bit crazy. Obviously, it was the last day of the transfer window so it’s expected to be a bit crazy, but I’m really happy it’s all finally done.
‘Chelsea is iconic. My idols growing up were Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard and now I have the opportunity to play for this club like them. It’s a great feeling.
‘The manager spoke to me about the project and, for a young player, it’s exciting. Hopefully I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge. Hopefully it will turn out well.’
Sancho then sent a message to Manchester United, wishing everyone attached to the club ‘all the best for the future’.
The move brings an end to Sancho’s hugely disappointing spell at Manchester United, which began when he made a £73m move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
Much was expected of the winger who had thrived at Dortmund and featured in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final but he flattered to deceive during his first two seasons.
His third was even worse, a public spat with Erik ten Hag costing him his place in the squad and then causing him to be sent back to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
After appearing to rediscover his form at Dortmund – and playing in last season’s Champions League final – there was hope that Sancho would revive his United career, especially after Ten Hag welcomed him back into his squad during pre-season.
Ten Hag insisted the pair were fine after clear-the-air talks but Sancho was left out of Manchester United’s first two Premier League games of the season against Fulham and Brighton.
Welcome to Chelsea, Jadon. 💙 pic.twitter.com/bzm8hxueAM
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 31, 2024
United boss Ten Hag claimed he expected Sancho to stay at his pre-Liverpool press conference on Friday but behind the scenes the club were working on a deal with Chelsea.
That deal was completed in the early hours of Saturday morning after a deal sheet was handed in before the 11pm deadline confirming the parties were close to an agreement.
Chelsea play host to Crystal Palace at 1.30pm on Sunday and while Sancho will not be involved, he is expected to be presented to fans at Stamford Bridge before kick-off.
Enzo Maresca pushed Chelsea to sign Sancho after ordering the Blues to offload Raheem Sterling, who has joined London rivals Arsenal on a season-long loan.
Confirming Sancho’s loan move to Chelsea, Manchester United said in a statement: ‘We wish Jadon good luck for the campaign to come.’