When Michy Batshuayi was signed by Chelsea from Marseille, there was a feeling there was a player there, and their hefty investment would see some return.
However, what followed wasn’t exactly what the Blues had planned, as the Belgium international has spent more time away from Stamford Bridge than in it.
The 28-year-old has been loaned out to Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, Crystal Palace (twice) and Besiktas since signing in 2016, and his current contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season.
This means the current transfer window would be the best time for both the Blues and their striker to part ways on a permanent basis, as Thomas Tuchel doesn’t seem interested in working with him.
There have been talks of a return to Turkey, but for now, Batshuayi is patiently waiting for his future to unfold.
Speaking to Sport/Voetbal Magazine in Belgium, the player was asked about his time at Chelsea and why it has unfolded the way it has.
He said: “I can’t speak for Romelu, but as far as I’m concerned it’s clear: the problem was Diego Costa. That was never up for debate. I don’t think there was a single player at that time who could have kept him out of the squad. In my second season I played an excellent preparation and then Álvaro Morata came from Real Madrid. So that became difficult again…
“And yet I scored every time I was in the team. It may be strange to say, but the squad was so strong that it was easy to score goals. When you play together with such top players, everything becomes easy.”
Signed by Antonio Conte, the Belgian was promised something that never happened by the Italian manager, which is why there appears to be a very small grudge there.
He elaborated: “Conte was constantly contradicting himself. To start with my arrival. He called me to him and explained his project. He wanted me to play in a two-man vanguard alongside Diego Costa. Did I believe that? Of course, because Conte has played with two attackers all his career. Except at Chelsea with me… (laughs)
“I do not understand. I’m sure we would have had a fantastic season together, but hey, Chelsea have won the league so what can I say? Look, those are my frustrations. But since the club is running well, I have to keep quiet. Otherwise I’ll be the bad apple, thinking only of himself… The truth is I’ve been fooled far too many times.”
As for his loans, Batshuayi feels similar incidents have happened, giving examples along the way of managers who never kept their promises to him.
He added: “There are plenty of examples, eh. It was also the same with Marcelino at Valencia or with Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. In the summer, on the phone, they make rumbling statements. Like, ‘I’ve always wanted you on my squad.’ Or: ‘You will definitely play with me.’ Or: ‘I absolutely want you, we need you.’ And then the transfer window is over and you don’t play…“
