Nicolas Jackson reveals what led to Chelsea exit and delivers verdict on Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson reveals what led to Chelsea exit and delivers verdict on Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Evening Standard

Evening Standard

·6 September 2025

Nicolas Jackson reveals what led to Chelsea exit and delivers verdict on Enzo Maresca

Article image:Nicolas Jackson reveals what led to Chelsea exit and delivers verdict on Enzo Maresca

The Senegalese said he felt ‘strong emotions’ at leaving the club

Article image:Nicolas Jackson reveals what led to Chelsea exit and delivers verdict on Enzo Maresca

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith


OneFootball Videos


I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Nicolas Jackson said he has no regrets over how his Chelsea career ended after he made a Deadline Day move to Bayern Munich.

The Senegalese striker moved to Chelsea in 2023 but struggled to win supporters’ affection as his inconsistent finishing and knack for rash tackling prevented him from finding form.

“[There were] very strong emotions, but not for the reasons you might think,” he told Italian outlet Tuttosport.

“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."

Despite reports claiming he was unsettled after Chelsea signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Jackson explained that he holds no ill will towards the club or its staff and simply wanted a change of scenery after spending two seasons in west London.

He continued: “Football is full of cycles. Sometimes things don't go as they should, and that's part of the game.

“I respect Coach 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.”

His move to Bayern very nearly fell through as Chelsea attempted to pull out of the deal after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury with barely 48 hours of the transfer window remaining.

The move was renegotiated on Deadline Day and completed at the eleventh hour, but Jackson said he was never concerned that it would fall through.

"Honestly, my advisors and I were very confident. I never doubted that I would sign with Bayern, so I took the situation philosophically.

“I'm in good health, as are my loved ones, and I'm lucky to be a professional footballer. Nothing else matters.”

Jackson will hope to debut for Die Roten after the international break, when they visit Hamburger SV. Failing that, he could play his first minutes for the club against parent club Chelsea in the Champions League.

View publisher imprint