Emerson Palmieri happy at Lyon despite talk of Chelsea recall

Emerson Palmieri claims he is happy with Lyon and did not want to return to Chelsea over the course of the January transfer window.

Following an injury to Ben Chilwell, Thomas Tuchel was keen on bringing the Italian international back from his loan spell in France, although the two clubs could not agree on a termination.

The 27-year-old has proven a key figure this season, starting 19 of the club’s 25 Ligue 1 games, scoring once and registering an assist during his appearances so far.

Signed from Roma in 2018, Palmieri has rarely commanded much of a first-team berth at Stamford Bridge and has both Chilwell and Marcos Alonso ahead of him in the pecking order, perhaps going some way into explaining as to why he’s so happy with Lyon.

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In total, Palmieri made 71 appearances during his four years in west London, although he was part of the squads to have won the FA Cup and the Champions League.

“I did not return to Chelsea because I promised Juninho that I would stay for a season,” he said.

“I am a man of my word. I like being in Lyon, I want to be here.

“For next season, hard to say because depends on the clubs but I’m happy here.”

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