AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara was on the verge of joining Chelsea on deadline day this summer, only for the move to collapse at the final hurdle.
The Blues had agreed a £47million deal with Monaco, but the Ligue 1 club pulled the plug amid Folarin Balogun’s expected move to Everton. That transfer also fell through.
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Camara was viewed as a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who completed a big-money move to Manchester City.
Liverpool reportedly played a role in the collapse, with the Reds understood to have told Camara to wait for a potential move to Anfield next summer.
Camara has now spoken publicly about the failed Premier League switch for the first time, insisting he is trying to put the disappointment behind him and focus on the future.
“It was a somewhat turbulent and difficult time. Camara said ahead of Monaco’s game at Strasbourg. “But that’s part of a player’s life.
“I tried to remain professional, avoid dwelling on it, and move on so I could quickly focus on the upcoming match in Paris (September 4, a 2-1 win).
“Once it was over, there was no point thinking about it.” The Senegal internatonal added: “Did I want to go to Chelsea? Saying that now would imply I’m no longer fully present with the team.
“Yes, there was a possibility I might leave, but it didn’t happen at the last minute. These things happen. Look at the example of Julian Alvarez with Atletico Madrid.
“It happens all over the world, and I’m trying to turn the page as quickly as possible to focus on the season. If it doesn’t come back around, it will be because I gave up or didn’t work hard enough.
“If I keep going like this, I know I can help the team perform well. Football moves fast, and perhaps other chances will arise. But for now, I’m staying focused on the season.”
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