Federico Chiesa admitted that he's had a 'tough time' this past season at Liverpool while struggling to make an impact in the Premier League, while reaffirming his love and pride of playing for the team.
The Italian signed with Arne Slot's team as their only major incoming last offseason, being brought in for just $16 million from Juventus as an option off-the-bench. But he has struggled behind the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.
But injuries played a big part in Chiesa's season, limiting his time available for selection while rarely seeing the field even when he had been fit. The 27-year-old made just 14 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, scoring two goals with two assists, playing just enough games to be given a Premier League medal.
Speaking at Liverpool's parade on Monday, Chiesa acknowledged the season didn't go the way he'd hoped personally, but had smiled throughout his interview while speaking of his love for his teammates.
He said: "I'm so proud of the team. When I first came here they immediately made me feel like part of the team, they supported me during the tough time I had this year.
"I have to thank them all. I am their teammate. I'm one of the boys. Even in training, I tried to give my best."
Chiesa has loved being with Liverpool, even if the move has not worked out
The speedster has been linked to a move back to Serie A, with AC Milan believed to be the favorites, with his future looking unlikely to be at Anfield.
While Liverpool is likely to be moving on from Nunez, and potentially even Diaz, an addition is almost sure to be made in those attacking positions, with Chiesa comfortably down the depth chart under Slot.
Liverpool's No. 14 had been seen as one of the best wingers in the world just a few years ago, but a serious knee injury in 2022 looks to have hugely hampered his career - struggling to consistently be available.
Federico Chiesa has struggled to make an impact this season
Chiesa was given his moment with the Premier League trophy as his teammates celebrated alongside him at Anfield on Sunday, while he wore a smile when seen on Liverpool's parade bus on Monday.
Chiesa became just the second Italian player to win the Premier League, behind former Red in Mario Balotelli, who won it when with Manchester City.
After signing a five-year deal with Liverpool this offseason, Chiesa is likely to move on, with the team unlikely to recoup the small fee that they paid for him less than 12 months ago.
Napoli and Fiorentina have also been linked with signing him.