Chelsea were recently dumped out of the Champions league by the Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, in a 7 – 1 aggregate scoreline.
But in a bid to push for major silverwares next campaign, the Blues have been making some quality additions to their team, with the signings of RB Leipzig’s goal machine Timo Werner and Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech, among other targets on the line.
Two of Chelsea’s loyal and consistent players have been keen on leaving the Stamford bridge, considering their age bracket and inability to agree on a longer contract extension, as it was the case for Willian who was said to have demanded for a longer contract extension instead of the two-year extension being tabled by Chelsea’s management.
With Pedro and Willian already confirming their exit respectively, with an appreciation letter to the fans and the club, it was soon reciprocated by Chelsea’s management in less than 24hours, by wishing the pair a glorious career ahead and also thanking them for their meritorious services.
In an open letter, Chelsea stated that:
“It was rare for any game to pass Pedro by, and in his 206 appearances for us he scored 43 goals and provided 28 assists,” the club wrote.
“So many of those came at significant moments; plenty were of elite quality.
“In his first interview with this website upon signing in August 2015, Pedro said he wanted to test himself in a new league after so many successful years at Barcelona, and ‘help Chelsea win titles’.
“They were challenges he emphatically met during five years of loyal service for which everyone at Chelsea is thankful. Good luck Pedro!”
While reacting to Willian’s departure, Chelsea wrote on their official website:
“Away from the field of play Willian has been a supremely friendly and calm member of the squad for seven seasons, and his big grin will be missed by all at Cobham.
“In training and in games, he combined Brazilian flair with a hard-working mentality that ensured he was highly valued by each of his Chelsea managers, and rarely out of the team for long, despite stiff competition for places.
“Capable of the extraordinary, a significant contributor to five trophy wins, and a class act on and off the pitch: when Willian saw the light in 2013, he could not have hoped for a more comprehensive vindication of his decision over the next seven years.
“He leaves Chelsea with our best wishes for the future, and with so many wonderful moments etched in our memories.”
Pedro is believed to be on his way to Italian club side AS Roma, which turns out to be his third professional club after his spells at his boyhood club Barcelona and with Chelsea.
While the 32-year-old Willian is being reported to soon be officially confirmed as an Arsenal player in the coming days, after a report of his medical at the London Colney today.
Chelsea fans will be hoping that the exit of Pedro and Willian, will open the door for more signings coming in before the end of this summer transfer.
