Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has followed up his decision to banish Joao Felix by snubbing the chance to sign Denis Zakaria too. The midfielder spent the season at Stamford Bridge on loan from Juventus, but his departure was confirmed by an emotional farewell statement on Thursday evening.
Pochettino has instantly set about making his preferences known to Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly, with the popular Felix sent back to Atletico Madrid as the Argentine did not want him in his squad for 2023/24.
It emerged earlier this week that Pochettino had also made his mind up on Zakaria, who came with a £26million permanent buy option at the end of his loan spell. The Swiss had been used sparingly this campaign, however, and even less so after Frank Lampard was appointed interim manager.
Zakaria only started five Premier League games this term and the Blues have chosen to go in a different direction with Pochettino’s summer rebuild up ahead.
Addressing fans on Instagram, Zakaria wrote: “It’s been a tough time but you guys always had my back. Thanks to everyone who‘s been supporting me! Let’s focus on the beautiful memories.”
Tributes quickly poured in from his Chelsea team-mates, including Reece James, who commented: “My big bro man, some great memories!! Ps. Spiderman [laughing face].” Meanwhile, Carney Chukwuemeka added: “My big bro.”
He is unlikely to be the only midfielder leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, with Loftus-Cheek also appearing to wave goodbye to fans during last weekend’s finale against Newcastle United.
Fellow Blues stars Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mason are also heavily linked with other clubs, as the former closes in on a move to Manchester City and the latter edges towards an agreement with Manchester United.
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