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Mauricio Pochettino Sends Another Chelsea Player Packing As Team-Mates Pay Tribute

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2 years ago

June 2, 2023

Mauricio Pochettino Sends Another Chelsea Player Packing As Team-Mates Pay Tribute

Chelsea Boss, Mauricio Pochettino -(Image:Getty)

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is making his mark on the squad, following the decision to part ways with Joao Felix, by snubbing the opportunity to sign Denis Zakaria as well.

The midfielder who spent the season on loan from Juventus bid an emotional farewell to Stamford Bridge in a statement released on Thursday.

Pochettino wasted no time in asserting his preferences to Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly, ensuring that Felix returned to Atletico Madrid as the Argentine did not see him as part of his plans for the 2023/24 season.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Pochettino had also made up his mind about Zakaria, who had a £26 million permanent buy option at the end of his loan spell.

Despite the potential, the Swiss midfielder had limited opportunities this season, particularly after Frank Lampard took over as interim manager.

Zakaria started only five Premier League games this term, leading Chelsea to take a different direction in Pochettino’s upcoming summer rebuild.

In an Instagram post, Zakaria expressed gratitude to the fans, saying, “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 teammates, with Reece James commenting, “My big bro man, some great memories!! Ps. Spiderman [laughing face].” Carney Chukwuemeka added, “My big bro.”

Kai Havertz and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were also among those offering messages of support to Zakaria, who will now return to Turin.

However, his future remains uncertain as he had previously fallen out of favor with manager Massimiliano Allegri.

Zakaria possesses the physicality to excel in the Premier League, standing at 6ft 3in tall, and his extensive experience with Borussia Monchengladbach is complemented by 47 international caps for Switzerland.

He is unlikely to be the sole midfielder departing Stamford Bridge this summer, as Loftus-Cheek also seemed to bid farewell to fans during the recent finale against Newcastle United.

Other Chelsea stars, including Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount, are heavily linked with moves to other clubs, with the former nearing a switch to Manchester City and the latter edging closer to an agreement with Manchester United.

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