Things could’ve gotten a lot more acrimonious in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.
After making it quite clear that Nicolas Jackson was surplus to requirements, keeping him on the sidelines throughout preseason and the early season, we agreed to let him join Bayern Munich on loan … only to suddenly renege on those promises in the eleventh hour, revoking permission for the medical and ordering the player to return. But Jackson had already arrived in Munich, and would make it quite clear that he wasn’t
going back.
Meanwhile, Bayern decided they didn’t need this sort of nonsense in their lives, and walked away (or at least threatened to). And yet, in yet another unexpected twist, we were able to rescue the situation, and would eventually re-agree a deal, in a more permanent fashion, even. All’s well that ends well!
There are many ways this could’ve ended not so well at all, with Chelsea panicking and scrambling around to find emergency cover for Liam Delap’s injury. Thankfully, everyone kept it professional when it mattered the most, and we arrived at an amicable solution for all involved.
For Jackson, there’s no hard feelings about the circumstances and he’s just looking forward to this new chapter in his young career. And what a chapter it could be!
“[There were] very strong emotions, but not for the reasons you might think. I was simply very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world, to discover another league and other great players.
“At the same time, I was a little sad to leave Chelsea, my teammates, and the fans. I experienced so many strong emotions there: we won the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Now I’m 100% focused on my new project and I can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Arena.
“Football is full of cycles. Sometimes things don’t go as they should, and that’s part of the game. I respect Maresca, I learned a lot from him, he has his own ideas and style. I just needed something different at this stage of my career. I have no regrets, just gratitude for my time at Chelsea.”
-Nicolas Jackson; source: Tuttosport via Metro
Well that statement doesn’t fit the narrative!
Farewell, Nico. See you in a couple weeks!
