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

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

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

Now, after joining the German champions on loan with a conditional obligation to buy, he has revealed that leaving Chelsea felt bittersweet.

“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.