Brazilian defender Emerson Palmieri has admitted he feels truly blessed to have played for Chelsea when he did.
The full-back has been speaking about his career this week, which naturally meant some focus on his spell at Stamford Bridge.
He joined the Blues in August 2022, serving primarily as a reliable squad option and back-up left-back behind Marcos Alonso and later Ben Chilwell.
He eventually gained more playing time under Maurizio Sarri, particularly in the cup competitions.
For instance, he started and played the full 90 minutes in the 2019 Europa League final win over Arsenal. The Brazilian was then later part of the squad that won the Champions League.
Chelsea success
Despite only making 71 appearance sin total for the club, he left Stamford Bridge having won four major trophies during his time there. They were the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup.
Now, when he looks back, he accepts that he was fortunate to be playing in something of a golden era.
“I was truly blessed at Chelsea,” he told 365 Scores.
“When I arrived, the club was very well-established, right from the board level—starting with (Roman) Abramovich (the club’s former owner). There was a sensational group of players.
“I joined at a wonderful time. I was part of a squad that won several trophies, featuring world-class players—Hazard, Willian, Pedro, Fàbregas, Jorginho, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Kanté…
“I even remember Hazard trying to speak Portuguese with me, since I didn’t know any English yet. Everyone helped me in some way, so I’m very grateful to each one of them.”
A Brazilian record
Thanks to his successes at Chelsea, Emerson Palmieri holds a particularly interesting record. He’s the only Brazilian in history to have won the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
It’s something he’s well aware of, although the reality of it hasn’t really sunk in at this point.
“It’s a privilege,” he added.
“I never imagined reaching this level in these competitions—winning a Champions League, a Europa League, and then the Conference League. It’s hard to even put into words.
“Perhaps when my career ends and I look back, it will truly sink in. While I’m still playing, I don’t really stop to think about the fact that I’ve achieved such things—feats that no one else has ever managed.
“I had the opportunity to play in these competitions and win them all. It only makes me want to win them again and aim for another final.”
