“Mudryk is too funny”, “I love him” - Chelsea fans react after finding out what Mykhailo Mudryk won’t forget to pack for pre-season tour
Mykhailo Mudryk might be getting his read on during Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States. The Ukrainian winger left fans in stitches after saying he wouldn't forget to pack books for the trip.
The Blues' media team asked several players what items they wouldn't forget for their pre-season tour. Ben Chilwell prioritizes his iPad close while Reece James goes with his laptop and passport.
Muryk snubbed technology by suggesting he'll spend his downtime reading. He replied to a text (via Chelsea's Instagram):
"Hey books."
The 23-year-old has been difficult to read since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported £89 million in January 2023. He's come into topsy-turvy form, showing glimpses of promise. The 23-cap Ukraine international has bagged seven goals and four assists in 58 games across competitions.
There are plenty of legendary former Premier League wingers for Mudryk to study. Eden Hazard is the blueprint of a top attacker, and the Blues legend could be a former player the Ukrainian studies to improve his game.
Fans were amused by the young winger's response, which they responded to in the comments section of the Instagram post. One fan wrote:
"Mudryk is too funny."
Another fan showed their appreciation for the pacey wideman:
"I love him."
One fan was in hysterics:
"Books , the kid is tripping."
Another fan was equally tickled:
"Bro said books."
Mudryk has a fresh chance at Chelsea after the Blues miss out on Michael Olise
Chelsea were seemingly frontrunners to sign Michael Olise when the summer transfer window opened. The Blues had done a ton of ground work to try and bring the French winger to Stamford Bridge.
Olise's potential arrival would have further jeopardized Mudryk's place in Enzo Maresca's team. He found game time somewhat hard to come by under Mauricio Pochettino last season, starting 18 of 31 league games.
However, Olise opted to join Bayern Munich, meaning Maresca headed into pre-season without his top attacking target. They reportedly withdrew from the race due to the finances involved in a potential deal.
It will have come as a relief to Mudryk, whose future was somewhat uncertain amid the speculation over an Olise transfer. Chelsea were reportedly considering offloading him to make space for the former Crystal Palace attacker, per Football Insider.
The former Arsenal target will now head into pre-season still with the Blues and will be eager to impress new manager Maresca. He's struggled to live up to expectations since joining the club.