Jadon Sancho has expressed his gratitude to Chelsea for the warm reception he received following a challenging period at Manchester United.
The winger faced a difficult spell under United manager Erik ten Hag last season, ultimately being sidelined after a public dispute with the coach.
Sancho finished the campaign on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Despite returning to Manchester United this summer and making a brief appearance in the Community Shield, he was not featured in the first two Premier League matches of the season.
A lifelong Chelsea fan, Sancho was given a fresh opportunity on transfer deadline day, joining the Blues on loan.
His move to Stamford Bridge includes a reported obligation to buy next summer, with United set to take a significant loss on the £73 million they originally spent to sign him.
Sancho made his Chelsea debut in the Premier League against Bournemouth, coming off the bench for his first league appearance in over a year.
He quickly made an impact, providing the assist for a late winner scored by fellow substitute Christopher Nkunku.
“First of all it is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea,” Sancho told Sky Sports after the 1-0 win.
“Just being back playing I’m very grateful. The team played very well and we are happy with the three points.
“I’ve been working hard for this moment and I’m just happy that I got my chance.
“I had a great end to last season being in the Champions League final.
“I’m just happy to make my debut for Chelsea.
“I have to thank all the staff and my team-mates.
“The first day I came in, they made me feel welcome and I’m so happy to feel this comfortable.”
“I don’t see problems around Jadon [Sancho], around Joao [Felix], I don’t see anything negative to be honest,” Maresca told Sky Sports after the game.
“Jadon is a very good player and I knew, because I know him, that he is a very good player and can help us.
“Now all the noise around him, I don’t care.
“With us he’s very polite, training well on and off the ball.
“We are happy for him.”
“He [Sancho] did exactly what we expected from him and Tosin Adarabioyo was the same and Christopher Nkunku too,” Maresca said in a separate interview on Match of the Day.
“Joao Felix was very good. All the guys from the bench were very good.
“We were creating chances and we needed just a bit more quality from inside the box and he [Sancho] did that. Nkunku is not starting but he is working very well.”
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