A former Chelsea player says he has 'rediscovered joy' since exiting Stamford Bridge this summer – and even explained how he is 'relieved' his Blues career is over.
Diego Moreira, 20, joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2023 after leaving Portuguese club Benfica at the end of his contract.
But he endured a difficult time in west London and failed to make a single Premier League appearance during his time with the Blues.
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His only appearance for the club came in a Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon in August 2023.
Two days later, he was loaned to Lyon but featured just nine times for the French outfit.
Upon his return to London in January 2024, Moreira was told to train with the Under-21s and later moved to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, who are also owned by BlueCo - a consortium headed by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly.
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Reflecting on his time in England, Moreira said he was relieved to be back playing football in France.
“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 told La Derniere Heure.
When asked if it was 'difficult' for him to be asked to train away from senior side at Chelsea, Moreira added: “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.
“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.
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"Yes, we still learn something every day, but at that time I needed to gain experience. That’s not what I was looking for.”
Moreira has already made seven appearances for his new club, scoring once.
The winger's contract is set to keep him in France until 2029, by which time he will be 25.
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Despite the unpleasant time he endured at Chelsea, Moreira was still regularly called up by Portugal Under-21s and will be looking to progress to the senior side in the coming years.
He was born in Belgium and played for their Under-15 side but has seemingly chosen to represent Portugal.
Although his Chelsea days are behind him, he will likely stay in contact with several of his ex-teammates, having formed a close bond with numerous Blues men.
“I also stayed in contact with several players [while at Lyon]. I had time to build some links, especially with French speakers like Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto. Then, I obviously met Romeo Lavia,” he told DH in January 2024.
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, Ligue 1
Luke Davies