‘Chelsea transfer U-turn annoyed me - my mind was made up after speaking to Enzo Maresca’

Cesare Casadei is setting his sights on a more impactful second chapter at Chelsea following his reunion with coach Enzo Maresca.

The Italian prospect demonstrated huge potential while under Maresca's guidance at Leicester City in the first half of last season. Nevertheless, Casadei experienced limited opportunities to build on that promise when he returned to Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino this past January, which ultimately led to a period of doubt and dissatisfaction.

Disenchanted by his lack of playing time in west London, 21-year-old Casadei pondered his other options earlier this summer. However, a single discussion with new boss Maresca reignited his enthusiasm and left him confident his career trajectory was best served at Stamford Bridge.

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"To be honest at the start of this season I was thinking about what was the best solution for me," he said during a candid interview with BBC Sport (via football.london). "I think last season was quite difficult, especially the last six months, because I didn't play a lot. I was not really happy, because everyone wants game time.

"But from the moment I spoke to the manager I was 100% sure that the decision to stay was best for me to improve and for my career. I didn't want to go permanently. There were some possible loans. But I have always wanted to play for Chelsea. We are one of the biggest teams in the world so I could not be more proud to play for Chelsea."

The former Inter Milan trainee's journey at Chelsea has not taken off as he