Jadon Sancho has expressed his gratitude to Chelsea for the warm reception he has received following a challenging period at Manchester United.
Sancho, who had a difficult time under United boss Erik ten Hag last season before ending up on loan at Borussia Dortmund after a dispute with his manager, was reintegrated back into the team this summer. Despite appearing as a substitute in the Community Shield, he did not feature in their opening league matches however.
The winger, who supported Chelsea growing up, was thrown a lifeline by the Blues on deadline day with a loan move to Stamford Bridge, including an obligation to purchase next summer that would result in a substantial loss for United after signing him for £73million.
Sancho's impact was immediate after coming on for his Chelsea debut against Bournemouth, having assisted Christopher Nkunku's late winner in his first Premier League game in over a year.
And he sent a pointed message to Man Utd following his cameo performance. "First of all it is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea," Sancho told Sky Sports following the 1-0 victory. "Just being back playing I'm very grateful. The team played very well and we are happy with the three points.
"I've been working hard for this moment and I'm just happy that I got my chance. I had a great end to last season being in the Champions League final. I'm just happy to make my debut for Chelsea. I have to thank all the staff and my team-mates. The first day I came in, they made me feel welcome and I'm so happy to feel this comfortable."
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca sung Sancho's praises following his side's win. After being asked about the winger, Maresca expressed his satisfaction with both the Englishman and Joao Felix to Sky Sports: "I don't see problems around Jadon [Sancho], around Joao [Felix], I don't see anything negative to be honest.
"Jadon is a very good player and I knew, because I know him, that he is a very good player and can help us. Now all the noise around him, I don't care. With us he's very polite, training well on and off the ball. We are happy for him."
In a separate interview on Match of the Day, Maresca added: "He [Sancho] did exactly what we expected from him and Tosin Adarabioyo was the same and Christopher Nkunku too. Joao Felix was very good. All the guys from the bench were very good.
"We were creating chances and we needed just a bit more quality from inside the box and he [Sancho] did that. Nkunku is not starting but he is working very well."
