Thomas Tuchel urges Andreas Christensen to commit future to Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel has urged Andreas Christensen not to desert Chelsea ahead of the “decisive moment” in his Stamford Bridge career.

Barcelona are understood to be confident of wrapping up a deal to prise Christensen away from Chelsea on a free contract in the summer.

Tuchel had revealed in November that Chelsea expected Denmark defender Christensen to complete new terms to stay in west London.

But now the 25-year-old is on the brink of ending his 13-year association with the Blues, having come through the much-vaunted academy.

Tuchel has now accepted doubts over Christensen’s future, but then quickly insisted the 54-cap centre-back would relinquish a major opportunity to install himself in Stamford Bridge history should he leave in the summer.

“I think it’s a crucial point in his Chelsea career at the moment,” said Tuchel.

“I think it’s a crucial point where he has the chance, at the perfect age and the perfect moment, regarding the situation, the system we play, the guys who play at his side.

“Considering all these circumstances, it’s for me, the decisive moment for him to step up and be a huge Chelsea player for the next years.

“If he decides otherwise I will not take it personally and it’s – in the end – not important if I understand it or not.

“But I will treat him as my player until the very last day, if he behaves how he has behaved.”

Chelsea boss Tuchel admitted the Blues hierarchy’s frustrations with Christensen’s new position, given the club’s expectation he would sign on for a new deal at the back end of last year.

The German coach insisted, however, that Chelsea retain a positive relationship with the defender and that he will remain an integral part of the set-up, whatever his long-term future.

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