Christopher Nkunku reveals reason why £52m Chelsea move didn’t work out | OneFootball

Former Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku has opened on why he struggled during his time at Stamford Bridge after joining AC Milan this summer.

Nkunku joined AC Milan in a deal which could be worth up to £36m, which closed a two year chapter with Chelsea.

The Frenchman joined Chelsea in 2023 to much excitement from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £52m, but failed to live up to expectations.

Christopher Nkunku explains why he struggled at Chelsea

Nkunku’s time at Chelsea was plagued by injury, which stopped him from ever really building any real momentum in west London.

Across his two seasons at the club he scored 18 goals in 62 appearances in all competitions, although just six of those came in the Premier League.

Nkunku left Chelsea this summer after two years at the club. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Nkunku’s move to AC Milan was best for all parties and allows the 27-year-old to make a fresh start in a World Cup year, whist he also had interest from Bayern Munich.

It’s a shame things didn’t work out for Nkunku, but he’s now explained why he feels he struggled to make his mark at Chelsea.

“I got injured straight away and was out for five months, and upon my return I had a relapse,” he said as quoted by Mail Sport.

“In my second year, I worked hard and did everything I could to be ready, and the coach made his choices.

“I’m the same player I’ve always been, I want to play with a smile, and I know it will be different here in Milan.”

Nkunku is in line to make his AC Milan debut after the international break against Bologna at the San Siro on September 14th.

Joao Pedro steps into the void

Chelsea essentially replaced Nkunku with the signing of Joao Pedro, and the Brazil international has hit the ground running.

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The Blues signed Pedro in a deal worth up to £60m, and he scored three goals in three games at the Club World Cup.

The 23-year-old has followed that up with two goals in Chelsea’s first three league games, and has already established himself as an important player for Enzo Maresca.