Speculation around Cesare Casadei’s future at Chelsea was rife in January.
The midfielder left Stamford Bridge to join Torino on a permanent transfer late in the window, but there was also interest from a host of clubs like Monza and Lazio.
While he didn’t play even once in the Premier League for Chelsea, the midfielder made his league debut for Torino at the weekend, coming on in a clash against Genoa.
He’s now spoken about his move to Torino and is happy to have left the London giants.
In his first press conference as a Granata player, he said, as relayed by TorinoCronaca: “Toro followed me for a long time and I pushed to return to Italy. I am very happy.
“The last month has been troubled, but I have always been positive because I felt the trust of everyone: from the club to the president, to the coach. It has not been easy, but it is important to be here and for this I am happy.”
Expressing relief that the move finally came through after weeks of rumours, Casadei said: “We have managed to put an end to this negotiation that has lasted a long time.
“You can feel the history of this club from the moment you enter the Filadelfia and the stadium, with the photos of the Grande Torino. It is a source of pride to wear this shirt. When you go on the pitch you have to give your all because history says so. I am ready to face this adventure with great positivity.”
The ex-Inter Milan youngster also stated that this is the ‘right time’ for him to return to Italy.
“This was the right time to return to Italy: things weren’t going the way I wanted and I wanted to return. Finally I’m here and I thank Toro for this.”
It’s clear that Casadei wanted the move to Torino throughout the January transfer window. The fact that he is already playing for the side says everything about why he made the decision.
For Chelsea, he had played only six times in all competitions and five of those matches came in the Conference League.
His development at the club was being hindered due to the lack of game time and playing regularly at Torino will only help him improve as a player.
