“There was a good basis to stay there and continue" - Former Chelsea manager claims leaving the Blues was his 'biggest mistake'
Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri claimed that departing the Blues was his 'biggest mistake.' He left Stamford Bridge in 2019 after being in charge for one season to join the Serie A club Juventus, to be closer to his elderly parents in Italy.
During his tenure at the west London club in 2018, the Italian manager became the EFL Cup runner-up and won the UEFA Europa League. About his time at Stamford Bridge, Maurizio Sarri told Sky Sports:
"Leaving Chelsea has been my biggest mistake. There was a good basis to stay there and continue at the club, I did a big mistake in that moment."
Mentioning his situation when he took the decision to leave the Blues, Sarri said:
"We won the Europa League, the project was great but I wanted to return in Italy, unfortunately."
Following his run at the Blues, Maurizio Sarri joined Juventus on a three-year contract in 2019. However, the Italian club sacked him in August 2020 after they were eliminated from the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16 by Lyon.
Maurizio Sarri was most currently the manager of Lazio after signing in 2021. With his contract valid till 2025, the Italian resigned as head coach in March 2024.
Tosin Adarabioyo signed a four-year contract with Chelsea
Tosin Adarabioyo recently signed a four-year deal with the west London club and will start at Stamford Bridge on July 1. The 26-year-old center-back made the move as a free agent following his four-season tenure at Fulham.
About his new venture at the Blues, Tosin Adarabioyo said:
"Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there. I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go."
In the announcement about Adarabioyo's signing, the Blues co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said in a statement:
"We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea. Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons. He is ready to make the step up to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining up with us for pre-season."
Tosin Adarabioyo helped to maintain 18 clean sheets and scored three goals in 78 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League.