My Career At Chelsea Not Going Well – Emerson

Emerson Palmieri has admitted his Chelsea career is “not going as I wish” and that he only feels “important” to Italy.

Chelsea forked out £18 million ($23m) to sign Emerson from Roma in January 2018, tying him down to a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 26-year-old has played second fiddle to Marcos Alonso at left-back since then, and fell even further down the squad pecking order following the arrival of Ben Chilwell from Leicester in August.

A return to Serie A was mooted for Emerson before the summer transfer deadline, with ex-Blues boss Antonio Conte reportedly keen on arranging a reunion with the defender at San Siro.

However, a final deal never came to fruition, and the ex-Roma star now has no choice but to remain on the sidelines until the market reopens again in the new year.

Emerson remains a regular in Roberto Mancini’s Italy set-up despite his current situation at Chelsea, and took in the full 90 minutes of a 0-0 draw with Poland in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

The full-back says he feels more valued at international level than at Stamford Bridge, with a lack of competitive action in England coming as a huge source of frustration.

Emerson told reporters after Italy’s trip to Poland:

“When I arrive here I change my head. I feel important and part of the group.

“At Chelsea, things are not going as I wish in this part of the season. I just have to work.”

The Chelsea outcast also appeared in Italy’s 6-0 friendly win over Moldova last week, and will be back in contention for a place in Mancini’s line-up when the Azzurri take on the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Emerson added ahead of a second Nations League encounter in the space of four days:

“When you play for the national team, you always have to be ready.

“We are due to play three games in 10 days, when I knew I had to play I was happy but it came as no surprise.

“When I play with this shirt I have to give my best.”