Mykhailo Mudryk Breaks Silence With Emotional Message After Chelsea Return Confirmed | OneFootball

Mykhailo Mudryk is available to play for Chelsea again. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Mykhailo Mudryk has penned his first message since it was confirmed that he can resume playing for Chelsea again.

The 25-year-old has not played for Chelsea since the end of November 2024 due to being provisionally suspended after being the subject of an out-of-competition doping control, which revealed the presence of a low concentration of meldonium, a prohibited substance.

Mudryk was suspended by the Football Association in December 2024, and formally charged in May 2025. In January 2026, a four-year ban was handed to Mudryk.

However, as per the FA's statement, 'changes have been made to WADA Technical Document (TD2027MRL) which, while not retroactive, mean that if Mr Mudryk's sample was collected today, the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported and no ADRVs would have resulted.'

Following the changes, a resolution has been found between all the parties, which will see Mudryk no longer ineligible and able to return to football with immediate effect.

After confirmation of Mudryk's return, the Chelsea star took to Instagram to express his gratitude.

He wrote: "After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect.

"I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future.

"This has been the most difficult period of my career.

"As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance. My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and country with professionalism and integrity has always been important to me.

Mudryk's second chance has arrived after over a year out of action. Action Images via Reuters

"I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief throughout this period.

"I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea FC, my teammates and the Chelsea supporters who have been with me throughout.

"I would also like to thank my legal team and others who assisted for their tireless work on my case.

"My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch.

"Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I look forward to the next chapter of my career."

Mudryk has been offered support from Chelsea and his teammates throughout, with some of the current squad, including Reece James and Romeo Lavia, sharing the news on their social media.

Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto and Marc Guiu were among the Chelsea stars to like Mudryk's emotional post.

Mudryk is now set to fly to Hong Kong to meet up with the Chelsea squad, who are under the management of new boss Xabi Alonso, for the second leg of their overseas tour.

Chelsea are currently in Australia and will fly to Hong Kong for their pre-season fixture against Juventus on August 5.

The next few weeks will give Mudryk a chance to settle back into his familiar surroundings, albeit many players have come and gone since he last played, as well as introducing himself to Alonso, whom he will be keen to impress.

It's been a long couple of years for Mudryk, who continued to practice his ball work on private pitches during his 18-month or so absence.

Now his destiny has returned into his own hands. A second opportunity has arrived, and he will be desperate to unleash his potential and do so at Chelsea, a club that has supported him through his battle.

"We know how much this opportunity to return means to him," part of Chelsea's statement read. "Our focus now is on supporting Misha’s reintegration into the squad and helping him resume his career."