There was somewhat of a mass exodus at Chelsea this summer, and one departed player has landed on the receiving end of some choice words.
Not every move works out.
Chelsea know that better than most with how much business they do. Often, it can feel like throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks.
The outgoings of the summer, though, have largely succeeded at their new clubs. Noni Madueke is loving life at Arsenal — too much, maybe — and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been much better since joining Everton.
But not all have thrived elsewhere.
Christopher Nkunku at AC Milan match
Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Chelsea blamed for Christopher Nkunku’s poor form with AC Milan
Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea career never really got off the ground.
He lasted just two seasons at Stamford Bridge before being moved on to the Rossoneri at the end of the window.
Life in Milan has started similarly to life in London for the Frenchman, but Milan reportedly have no regrets over Nkunku — at least, that was the case last month.
Patience appears to be wearing thinner by the week, though, and a 2-0 loss to Napoli has led to more heat on the attacker, who is now playing alongside another ex-Blue.
As journalist Paolo Condo remarks (via Tuttomercatoweb): Milan got nothing up front from Pulisic, which was certainly a contingency, nor from Nkunku, and this is the norm.
“Nkunku was a lethal striker during his time at Leipzig, but the move to Chelsea […] took away his instincts and enthusiasm. So, he’s a ghost.”
While at Leipzig, Nkunku’s directness and clinical nature made Chelsea’s decision to sign him a no-brainer. It reminds us of a current Leipzig attacker…
Yan Diomande is next up 🔥
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There’s still hope for Nkunku
No one forgets just how impressive Nkunku was coming up at PSG and developing at Leipzig, but like many before him, the change to the Premier League didn’t suit. But Condo hasn’t lost hope.
He continues: “Allegri is right to insist on him, regardless of whether he does it because he believes in him or because he has nothing else: Nkunku was someone, and by playing he could become someone again.”
Let’s hope he does get back to his best. It’s a shame to think his career could be derailed by the decision to join Chelsea.
We have seen plenty of revivals from past flops at new clubs. Even someone like Kai Havertz, who has been reborn in North London or for more extreme examples, Mo Salah and Kevin De Bruyne.
You can choose one Chelsea legend to play in Enzo Maresca’s team today. Who are you picking? 🤔
Imagine this Chelsea team with Didier Drogba! 🔥
Enzo Maresca of Chelsea celebrates
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
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There’s no reason why a player as talented as Nkunku can’t get back on track.
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