Diego Moreira left Chelsea and sealed a permanent move to RC Strasbourg in the summer window.
The 20-year-old has played seven games for the Ligue 1 side, operating as a left-back and a forward. He managed a goal and an assist in the process.
La Dernière Heure had a detailed chat with the former Chelsea player, who expressed his delight over joining Strasbourg.
The Belgium-born Portugal U21 international has signed a deal until 2029 at Strasbourg. The outlet points that out, after saying his adventure at the west London club is ‘definitely over’.
“And I see myself staying here. Since I got here, it’s been a relief. I rediscover this joy of playing football, of having fun. Then everything is great: the coach, the club, the infrastructure, the quality of life, the city,” he said.
The Premier League side signed him on a free transfer in 2023. He made one appearance for the Blues, which was in their EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon in August 2023.
Two days later, he was sent on loan to Lyon. He clocked in less than 400 minutes from nine matches for the French club in the first half of last season. Chelsea cut short his loan stay and recalled him in January.
Despite failing to impress at Chelsea, the versatile player feels he has benefited from his time at the English club. He also has positive things to say from this time at Lyon.
On his return to England in January, Moreira was sent to train with Chelsea U21s. La Dernière Heure asked was it a ‘difficult moment’ for him. When responding to that, the player explained why he wasn’t not in favour of staying away from the first team.
“Yes, especially since I suffered my very first injury. I was out of action for a month and a half, then I played two matches, and I got injured again: torn hamstrings,” Moreira explained
“It’s true that the level of academy football is not comparable to professional football: you have the impression that you are stagnating, that you are not learning anything. Yes, we still learn something every day, but at that time I needed to gain experience. That’s not what I was looking for.”
