Mateo Kovacic Reveals True Feelings for Chelsea Now After Joining Man City
Mateo Kovacic has quickly established himself as a key player in Manchester City‘s squad this season. Since arriving at the Etihad from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, the Croatian midfielder has been a regular figure in Pep Guardiola’s team. Having already made six appearances across all competitions, five of which were starts, Kovacic seems to be seamlessly adapting to life at his new club.
City paid £25 million to secure his services from their Premier League rivals, Chelsea. During his five-year stint at Stamford Bridge, Kovacic became a fan favorite, amassing 221 appearances, scoring six goals, providing 15 assists, and winning an impressive four European titles, including the Champions League. Despite his success in Europe, however, the one title that eluded him during his Chelsea days was the Premier League trophy — a void he quickly filled after joining City in the summer of 2023.
Reflecting on his time at Chelsea and the early days of his City career, Kovacic opened up in a recent interview on Manchester City’s official YouTube channel. He expressed his gratitude for his time at Stamford Bridge, saying, “Chelsea is a club that I really appreciate a lot and has given me a lot of confidence. I played there for five years, so a club that will always be remembered by me.”
Despite his loyalty to Chelsea, Kovacic admitted that scoring against his former club in a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the current Premier League season was a special moment for him. “To play at Stamford Bridge is always nice,” he explained, “Very happy that I can do it now in a City shirt and be part of this great squad. To score at Stamford Bridge is nice and a special moment for me.”
While Kovacic’s admiration for Chelsea remains intact, his transition to Manchester City has proven fruitful. Not only did he settle into Guardiola’s side with ease, but he also celebrated his first Premier League title in his debut season with the reigning champions. Reflecting on this achievement, Kovacic said it was one of the highlights of his career. “Winning the Premier League with City is a special moment for me, something I couldn’t do at Chelsea but managed to do here in my first season.”
The midfielder’s honest reflections on his Chelsea past and his joy at his newfound success with City illustrate the complex emotions professional athletes often experience after changing clubs. While he may have left Stamford Bridge, Kovacic clearly carries a deep respect for his former club. Yet, his move to City has given him an opportunity to win titles that once seemed out of reach.
As the season progresses, Kovacic is poised to play a crucial role in City’s bid to defend their Premier League crown. Should they secure a fifth consecutive title, Kovacic’s signing will be viewed as a brilliant move by Guardiola’s side — and perhaps one of Chelsea’s biggest regrets.
Mateo Kovacic Reveals True Feelings for Chelsea Now After Joining Man City
