Robert Sanchez aims sly dig at Roberto De Zerbi after sealing Chelsea transfer

Robert Sanchez has aimed a subtle dig at Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi after completing his move to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Sanchez, 25, completed his £25million switch from the Seagulls to Stamford Bridge after falling out of favour at the Amex Stadium last season.

The Spaniard had previously been one of the first names on the team sheet however was replaced by Jason Steele throughout the 2022/23 campaign, after the English shot-stopper emerged as De Zerbi's preferred candidate in goal.

Speaking in his first interview as the latest player to join Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea squad earlier today, Sanchez seemingly aimed a subtle dig at his former manager in the aftermath of his Brighton exit. He said: “I've missed the opportunity to work with a coach of that level. Obviously, [you can] watch him on his past clubs what he's done.

“What he brings to the club, the family ambience around the players is really good. His play style is something I suit really well. I’m going to contribute to win trophies at the club with him.”

Robert Sanchez and Robert De Zerbi

Sanchez also went on to praise Brighton as a club after rising through the academy ranks and into the first team. He added: “I started my career in England with Brighton, they provided me with everything as a goalkeeper, inside and outside the pitch, to get much more potential out of me. Obviously I’m really happy and thankful, and now it’s a bigger challenge.”

Despite making the switch to West London, a spot in the starting eleven is far from guaranteed as Kepa Arrizabalaga looks to secure a regular first team role after previously failing to live up to his monumental £72million price-tag.

A similar situation that most players within the Chelsea dressing room may encounter throughout the 2023/24 campaign, as Pochettino looks to spread minutes across their ever-growing and bloated squad.