Sophia
In a candid revelation following his summer transfer to AC Milan, Christopher Nkunku has openly discussed the factors that led to his challenging two-year stint at Chelsea, pointing directly to manager Enzo Maresca’s “choices” as a primary reason for his lack of game time.
The French forward, who arrived in West London with significant fanfare, departed Stamford Bridge at a loss, moving to the Italian giants for a fee that could reach €42 million. His departure marks the end of a frustrating chapter for a player once considered one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
A Promising Arrival Derailed by Injury and Managerial Decisions
Nkunku’s arrival at Chelsea two years ago was heralded as a major coup. Signed for €60 million (£52.1 million, $70.3 million) from RB Leipzig, he boasted an impressive record of 53 direct goal contributions in his final two Bundesliga seasons. However, his Premier League tenure yielded a stark contrast, with a mere eight combined goals and assists across two campaigns.
The versatile forward’s debut season was marred by a significant injury sustained during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the US. “I got injured straight away and was out for five months, and upon my return I had a relapse,” Nkunku explained shortly after signing for Milan. This setback limited him to just two Premier League starts in his inaugural year.
Maresca’s ‘Choices’ Under Scrutiny
Despite a clean bill of health heading into the 2024-25 campaign, which coincided with Enzo Maresca’s appointment as Chelsea manager, Nkunku found himself consistently overlooked. “In my second year, I worked hard and did everything I could to be ready,” Nkunku stated pointedly, “and the coach made his choices.”
These choices translated into minimal opportunities for the 27-year-old. Nkunku started just three Premier League games before a Valentine’s Day fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, a match Chelsea ultimately lost 3-0. It was only due to injuries to other key forwards at the start of the new year that Maresca reluctantly turned to Nkunku, who, under immense pressure and with limited rhythm, struggled to make a decisive impact in these rare starts.
A Difficult Season and a Fresh Start
During the 2024-25 season, the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate contributed to five Premier League goals. However, a significant caveat remains: four of these contributions came against a Southampton side that endured one of the worst campaigns in the competition’s history.
Nkunku’s departure to AC Milan represents a crucial opportunity for him to rediscover his form and joy for the game. “I’m the same player I’ve always been,” Nkunku insisted. “I want to play with a smile, and I know it will be different here in Milan.” For the French international, it truly can’t get much worse than his recent experiences in London.
This move is a fresh start for a player who, despite his struggles at Chelsea, still possesses undeniable talent and potential. Milan will be hoping Nkunku can recapture the form that made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, while Chelsea will be left to ponder what might have been. For more on Chelsea’s transfer strategies and player movements, you can read the latest transfer news and rumors.
