Marcos Alonso has admitted two of his best football memories came at Chelsea, praising the club while looking back at his career today.
The 33-year-old has been speaking to AS about his career, which has seen him play for Real Madrid, Bolton, Fiorentina, Sunderland, Chelsea, Barcelona and now Celta Vigo.
He’s looking to revive it after a difficult two years at the Camp Nou in which he won the title but only managed a handful of games before eventually being pushed out to help balance the books.
He had joined the Spanish side on a free transfer in September 2022 after six very successful years at Chelsae following a move in August 2016 for €23m.
Alonso went on to make 212 appearances for the Blues, managing 29 goals and 20 assists in total as well as winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, Europa League and FA Cup.
His best spell was undoubtedly under Antonio Conte, under whom he made 81 appearances and managed 14 goals and seven assists and was a first-team regular.
He still remembers the Italian coach fondly, as well as a debut for Chelsea that still lives in the memory.
“The first Premier League match played at Wembley, a Tottenham-Chelsea match, which for Chelsea fans is a special derby,” he said when asked to pick his best performance.
“I was lucky to score two goals and win 2-1, scoring the winning goal at the end.
“Paulo Sousa in the last stage at Fiorentina was very important for me. The first one who gave me that special confidence within the team.
“Then, also Antonio Conte in the first years at Chelsea. He is a coach with an incredible work philosophy, sometimes it was difficult to keep up with him. Then the results arrive, and it is appreciated to have someone who pushes you to give 200% effort.”
