"I couldn't be prouder" – Chelsea player says Maresca convinced him to stay, wants to become key Blues star
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Cesare Casadei has had a mixed time Chelsea so far, having joined the club from Inter Milan in the summer of 2022.
The 21-year-old has played a little over ten times for the Blues and while he was close to departing the club in the summer, potentially on a loan deal, he ended up staying at Stamford Bridge.
He’s yet to play in the Premier League in the campaign, and despite the manager not picking him, Casadei has revealed to TuttoSport in an interview that Enzo Maresca played a key role in keeping him at Chelsea.
He said, as relayed by Calciomercato: “When I saw Maresca arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer I was excited.
"We already knew each other because he was my coach in the first six months of last season at Leicester City.”
He was also asked about the speculation surrounding his future that lingered around in the summer.
The Italian said: "After speaking to the coach, I was 100% sure that the decision to stay would be the best. Maresca told me what he thought, I had no doubts.
"I stayed here without considering possible loans. Nor do I think so at the moment for the next winter transfer market.
"I couldn’t be prouder to play for Chelsea. The competitive spirit was one of the reasons why I decided not to leave.”
Under Maresca at Leicester City, Casadei had played 25 times in all competitions, so wasn’t a nailed on starter there. That’s understandable given his young age.
The situation at the London club is different and the Blues have a host of options in the final third and midfield.
Despite Maresca’s encouragement, if Casadei can’t get the minutes he needs to progress then an exit, even if on loan, will become a growing possibility.
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