Chilwell Reflects on Chelsea Departure and Exciting Future at Strasbourg

Ben Chilwell has officially departed Chelsea on a permanent basis, having found himself sidelined by manager Maresca prior to his transfer to Crystal Palace for the latter half of the 2024-25 season. Before this move, he joined Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, where he worked under manager Liam Rosenior. In a November interview with the BBC, Chilwell praised Rosenior, asserting that he is ‘going straight to the top’ and credited him as a significant factor in his decision to join the French club.

Chilwell stated, “It wasn’t my top choice, but then I spoke to the manager. It was only a 10-minute call, and I rang my agent straight away after and said, ‘Yes, let’s get Strasbourg done.’ I’m definitely shocked at the quality. There are a lot of people going straight to the top here, and I include the manager in that.”

As Rosenior takes the helm at Stamford Bridge, Chilwell shared a heartfelt farewell message to his former coach, likely endearing himself to Chelsea fans. On his Instagram story, he posted a picture with Rosenior, accompanied by a blue heart emoji, writing, “Loved working with you the last six months, off to an amazing club and I am wishing you all the best, gaffer.”

Despite being pushed out of the first-team setup at Chelsea under Maresca during the 2024-25 season and being labeled part of the club’s so-called ‘bomb squad’—training away from the main group—Chilwell retains fond memories of his time at Stamford Bridge. After joining the club in the summer of 2020, the defender played an instrumental role in winning the Champions League in his debut season under Thomas Tuchel, ensuring a lasting place in the hearts of Chelsea supporters despite his recent struggles.

As he embarks on this new chapter in France, the 29-year-old seems poised to support his former club and manager from a distance. Rosenior, who is set to begin his tenure at Chelsea after observing the team’s recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham, will need to make an immediate impact to turn around results.