Kepa Arrizabalaga has revealed that Mauricio Pochettino expressed his desire for him to remain at Chelsea for the current season, however, he ended up joining Real Madrid for the ongoing term.
There have been a significant overhaul in the goalkeeping department at Stamford Bridge this summer, which includes Kepa Arrizabalaga embarking on a season-long loan to Real Madrid.
Kepa has endured some turbulent periods on the field at Chelsea since 2018. Although he ended the previous season as the primary goalkeeper for the Blues, he is currently experiencing a one-year loan stint in La Liga. Consequently, Chelsea's new signing Robert Sanchez has taken up the role of the first-choice goalkeeper under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.
Reportedly, Pochettino assured Kepa that he was a part of his plans for playing time this season. However, the keeper opted for a loan move, seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
“Pochettino wanted me to stay. He told me that I was going to play, that he trusted me, but I wanted a change," Arrizabalaga told Marca as he opened up on his move to Real Madrid.
The goalkeeper admitted that Bayern Munich were also in the race to get his signature.
“Tuchel also called me to join Bayern and it was close, but when Real Madrid comes in… it’s Real Madrid," he added.
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