Moises Caicedo, Chelsea’s midfielder, grew up in Ecuador as a fan of the club, and his admiration for two midfielders, Claude Makelele and N’Golo Kante, played a significant role in shaping his own game.

Caicedo, inspired by Frenchman Claude Makelele, who played for Chelsea from 2003 to 2008 and was a key part of the team’s success during that time, used to study videos of Makelele online. Makelele was known for his defensive prowess and ability to break up opposition attacks.

Additionally, Caicedo admired N’Golo Kante, who joined Chelsea in 2016 and quickly became a key figure in the team’s midfield. Kante’s work rate, ball-winning ability, and overall midfield presence were qualities that Caicedo looked up to.

Interestingly, when Caicedo turned 18, a friend gave him an Independiente del Valle jersey with the name of Claude Makelele on it instead of the N’Golo Kante shirt he had requested. This mix-up shows the depth of his admiration for both players.

Caicedo’s journey to Chelsea has been rapid. He made his first-team debut for Independiente del Valle in Ecuador’s Serie A before turning 18. He then joined Brighton in the Premier League and later signed with Chelsea, becoming the most expensive player in British football history.

For Caicedo, joining Chelsea is a dream come true. He stated that he supported Chelsea as a kid and used to watch their games. Now, he’s excited to be a part of one of the world’s biggest clubs and is determined to give his best and create his own success story with the team. Chelsea celebrated his arrival with a photo of him and his mother in Chelsea jerseys in their native Ecuador.

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According to Odion Ighalo, Cristiano Ronaldo relocated to Saudi Arabia not out of a love for the game but merely for financial gain.

Ighalo, who was a player for Al-Hilal, was the best scorer in the Saudi Pro League last season; however, he was dismissed at the conclusion of the season. He now thinks that Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr along with Benzema, is doing the same thing, having travelled to the country solely for a paycheck.

 Ighalo, 34, said to OmaSportsTV: “When you are young, yes, you play for passion. Back then, you don’t care about money. But at my age, I am in the final stretch of my career, I don’t know if it will be one, two years or when God will tell it to stop.

“I know it won’t be more than three years. I’ve played for passion all my life, now it’s for money. I’m not one of those players who come and say: ‘I play for passion’. Brother, it’s money. At the end of the day, it’s money.

“Is Ronaldo still playing out of passion? Ronaldo has earned 100 times more than I have in my entire life and yet he went to Saudi Arabia. Did he do that out of passion? It’s for money, bro.”

This summer, a number of players have relocated to Saudi Arabia, Jordan Henderson being the most recent. During this transfer window, players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, and Roberto Firmino also arrived in the nation.

With Fabinho said to be moving to Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League influx doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

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Following Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo asserts that the Saudi Pro League is superior to Major League Soccer and declares he would never play in Europe again.

After his contract with Manchester United expired in December of last year, Ronaldo made the unexpected move to Al-Nassr.

This summer, a number of well-known athletes have moved to Saudi Arabia, including Steven Gerrard, the former captain of Liverpool, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Roberto Firmino.

After choosing to leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer earlier this summer, Messi decided to take a different route and was later presented as Inter Miami’s new signing on Sunday evening.

Ronaldo strongly ruled out a return to European football after Al-Nassr were defeated 5-0 by Celta Vigo on Monday night in a preseason friendly and believes several leagues have dropped in quality.

‘No, that door is completely closed,’ Ronaldo told Portuguese media when asked about a potential return to a European club.

‘I’m already 38-and-a-half years old and it’s not worth it.

‘In my way of seeing football, I think Europe has lost a lot of quality. The only league that for me has a lot of quality and is at a higher level than all the others is the Premier League.

‘The Spanish league does not have that great quality. The Portuguese league is a good league, but it is not a top, top league. The German league I think has also lost a lot. I’m sure I won’t play in Europe again. I want to play in Saudi Arabia.

Asked about a possible move to MLS, Ronaldo replied: ‘I think the Saudi league is much better than the United States. My team is Al-Nassr.’

Ronaldo, 38, also believes he has been the catalyst for several other players to make the move from Europe to Saudi Arabia this year.

‘100 per cent. It’s a fact,’ Ronaldo said.

‘It was going to take a year, but it was six months. I was wrong for six months.

‘But I knew this was going to happen because in the Italian league, when I went there, it was also dead and then rejuvenated.

‘Where Cristiano goes, it generates greater interest and I knew it was going to be like that. I’m sure that next season more stars will go there [to Saudi Arabia].’

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Roberto Firmino, who left Liverpool for Al-Alhi on a free transfer, is the newest player to relocate to Saudi Arabia.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Firmino has joined the ranks of other players who have travelled to Saudi Arabia, including Edouard Mendy, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mendy joined Firmino’s team in 2023–2024 because he transferred from Chelsea to Al-Ahli at the same time.

Bobby Firmino, Al Ahli player ✅🟢🇧🇷 https://t.co/tPgey480uC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023

Firmino played at Liverpool for eight years, making 35 games and scoring 13 goals. He won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup while playing with the Reds.

Firmino will join Al-Ahli as they continue their 2023–24 season preparations.

Official, confirmed. Roberto Firmino joins Al Ahli on free transfer. 🚨🟢🇸🇦

Deal completed on three year contract. pic.twitter.com/MYtygNa5ZR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023

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On Monday, Pochettino made his first visit to the team’s training facility in Cobham and immediately started to win over supporters by proclaiming that the Blues had been England’s best team for the previous ten years.

The Argentine has a challenging task ahead of him after Chelsea’s lowest Premier League finish since the 1993–1994 season—12th—last season.

In preparation for a season without European competition, their team is undergoing major surgery. N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, and Kai Havertz have all already departed, and Mason Mount is on the verge of leaving as well.

There aren’t many obvious prospects to succeed club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who is anticipated to join Atletico Madrid, but Pochettino has urged his team to take charge and act as leaders.

“We need leaders, not followers, in every single area and we will push every person to bring their best and give their best for the club,” Pochettino said.

He added: “If we are all together, we are going to be very strong. We have an unbelievable squad and for sure are going to bring players with commitment who want to be part of it also. With the fans and everyone, we can find again the way to be successful.”

Because Azpilicueta’s transfer hasn’t been finalized, Chelsea hasn’t decided who would serve as captain, but it’s likely that vice-captain Thiago Silva will do so.

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Chelsea have confirmed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has officially left the club in order to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Under previous manager Thomas Tuchel, Senegal was the Blues’ primary goalkeeper and was vital to their successful Champions League run in 2020–21, allowing only twice in seven games.

The 31-year-old Senegal international is the newest player to leave Stamford Bridge during the Premier League club’s ongoing summer of change.

After Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kante left for teams in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, respectively, he is the third player to leave Chelsea for a side in the Saudi Pro League.

A statement from Chelsea said: “Edouard Mendy has left Chelsea after three seasons and completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Professional League side Al-Ahli.
“The 31-year-old will be best remembered at Stamford Bridge for the key role he played on our run to Champions League glory in 2021.
“Having started his career in the lower tiers of French football – and even spending several months without a club – Mendy rose to the pinnacle of European football with Chelsea.
“A hugely likeable character on and off the pitch, he will always have a place in our history for his significant contributions to our 2021 Champions League triumph.
“For that, and for everything else, we are grateful. Good luck, Edou! “

Edou Mendy has left Chelsea and joined Al-Ahli FC. ✍️

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 28, 2023

Mendy initially joined the Blues in 2020, moving from Rennes, and helped the team win the Champions League that year while compiling a club-record nine clean sheets.

In addition to playing a key role in his nation’s triumphant AFCON title win that year, this resulted in him earning the 2021 Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award.

However, following a slump in form and a flurry of management changes at Chelsea, Mendy fell out of favor, with Kepa Arrizabalaga chosen.

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N’Golo Kante sent a farewell message to the Chelsea fans after completing his move to Al-Ittihad.

Kante said goodbye to Chelsea before joining Al-Ittihad. Unquestionably, Kante is still one of the club’s biggest legends. It is challenging to convey the significant contribution Kante made to Chelsea throughout his tenure.

The 32-year-old will depart Chelsea when his deal at Stamford Bridge expires the following week. He has a contract with Al-Ittihad and will start playing for them for free on July 1.

Kante won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, Super Cup, and Club World Cup during his seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge, cementing his status as a club legend.

After both teams confirmed the deal this week, his Chelsea teammates have all individually taken to social media to wish him well and say their goodbyes.

On Kante’s departure, co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley told the club’s in-house media: “N’Golo’s impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated. His tireless performances in midfield contributed to several trophy wins and has guaranteed him a place in the club’s history. We wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter in his career.”

Now the France international has addressed Chelsea, its fans, players and staff after leaving.

“Goodbye Chelsea,” Kante begun.

“The time has come to open a new chapter in my career. But before doing so, it was important for me to thank the great and wonderful Chelsea family.

“Fans, players, directors, coaches, members of the medical staff, everyone who has supported me over the last seven seasons with this legendary club. So many fond memories, so many victories, so many titles won at your side.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by N’Golo Kanté (@nglkante)

According to Fabrizio Romano, Kante has signed a four-year deal with Al-Ittihad that would earn him a total of €100m.

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Following an eight-year run with Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich, where he scored 344 goals in 375 games in all competitions and won the UEFA Champions League, Lewandowski joined Barça in the summer 2022 transfer window.

The Polish forward has maintained his excellent goal-scoring record at Barça, scoring 23 La Liga goals in his first Camp Nou season to help the team win its first league title in four years.

When asked about his future plans by Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski revealed that he would retire soon and that he may stay with Barcelona until he decides to hang up his boots.

“My retirement? It’s close. It is very possible that I will finish my career in Barcelona, where I and my family feel very comfortable. I felt I scored five or six goals less because I had to do other things. My role was important not only on the pitch but also off it, I had to fit in a new role,” he said.

“Only after my contract ends, I will start asking myself if I want to keep playing.”

Lewandowski is one of many well-known athletes who have recently been mentioned in connection with a high-profile transfer to the Saudi Pro League. Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante all relocated to the Middle East, while Lionel Messi declined an offer from Al Hilal for more than €400 million per season in favor of playing in the MLS.

When asked about links to Saudi Arabian clubs, Lewandowski stated he had ‘other priorities’.

“Today I am happy in Barcelona. I feel like I’m at a club that suits me. So I want to fulfil my contract there,” he added.

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As the clear-out at Stamford Bridge continues, Chelsea and Manchester City have reached an agreement to sell Mateo Kovacic for £30 million.

Since a few weeks, the Premier League winners have been connected to Kovacic, and they have finally made progress with Chelsea.

Since joining Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2019, Kovacic has made more than 200 appearances, assisting the Blues in capturing the Champions League and Europa League.

Some people may be shocked by his departure from Stamford Bridge given that the 29-year-old was an essential part of the team last season, appearing in 37 games across all competitions.

However, Chelsea is trying to cut down a bloated squad after finishing just 12th in the Premier League last year by releasing a number of players.

The fact that Kovacic was reportedly eager to team up with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium may have also pressed Chelsea’s hand.

He thus reached a personal agreement with the holders of the Champions League earlier this month and will now go through a physical at City.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City will give Chelsea an upfront payment of £25 million for the Croatian international and a further $5 million in performance-based add-ons.

EXCL: Mateo Kovacić joins Manchester City from Chelsea, fee agreed and done deal — here we go! 🚨🔵 #MCFC

Agreement between clubs just reached for £30m fee.

Personal terms agreed two weeks ago, Kovacić only wanted Man City.

Medicals in the next days.

New midfielder for Pep 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/cXU7ZDSKMf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023

Kovacic is one of several Chelsea players who will leave the club this summer, with N’Golo Kante joining Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad earlier this week.

Hakim Ziyech is apparently close to joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Edouard Mendy have been linked with similar transfers.

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The summer exodus continues at Chelsea, with Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy apparently agreeing to move to Saudi Arabia.

Another prominent player is expected to leave Chelsea. The sale of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy by Chelsea to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli has been finalized.

The Senegalese goalkeeper has one year left on his deal, but Chelsea and the player were unable to come to terms on an extension. As a result, the player is reportedly planning to go to Saudi Arabia.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano, who first broke the story, later confirmed that Chelsea and Al Ahli have verbally agreed to sell Mendy.

All that’s needed to do is sign the contracts since the goalie and the club have come to terms on a three-year deal last week.

Understand Chelsea have reached full verbal agreement with Saudi’s Al Ahli to sell Edouard Mendy. 🚨⚪️🟢🇸🇦 #CFC

Mendy agreed personal terms with Al Ahli on three year deal, as revealed last week.

Contracts to be checked, then signed if all goes to plan.

Here we go 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/8OsjHSTJRz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023

Additionally, according to Fabrizio, another Chelsea player, Hakim Ziyech, is reportedly ready to transfer to Saudi Arabia after the Blues and Al Nassr reached a complete deal about the winger’s sale.

Ziyech has also agreed to a contract that runs until 2026, much like Mendy, thus all that is left to do is for the clubs to exchange contracts. Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January, will be joined by Ziyech.

In the summer of 2020, Mendy and Ziyech both joined Chelsea. They were both a member of the squad that won the Champions League that same year.

They had coincidentally both lost favour with the team, and Ziyech had come very close to leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in January when the deal fell through at the eleventh hour.

N’golo Kante’s transfer to Al Ittihad has already been announced, and players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also been connected with moves to the region. This is part of a larger exodus of players from Stamford Bridge to Saudi Arabia.

Understand Al Nassr have reached full verbal agreement with Hakim Ziyech to join the club. Personal terms agreed. 🚨🟡🔵🇸🇦

Ziyech will sign until June 2026, if all goes to plan.

Agreement reached also with Chelsea, waiting to prepare, check then sign contracts.

Here we go! 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/wywVV8cocB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023

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The seasoned France international had been in talks with Stamford Bridge to extend his contract since new boss Mauricio Pochettino was eager to keep his services.

But he has now moved to the Middle East, joining stars like Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi league.

"لا تصدق الشائعات" ⛔️
كانتي اتحادي ✍️🤩
📦 to 📦#WelcomeBox2Box pic.twitter.com/yQ225WrQLt

— نادي الاتحاد السعودي (@ittihad) June 20, 2023

Kante first entered the Premier League in 2015 when he moved from the French club Caen to Leicester City. At incredible odds of 5000/1, Kante helped the Foxes win the league.

That saw him earn a move to Chelsea a year later where he won a second Premier League title as well as the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

After only one season with Chelsea, he was named Premier League Player of the Season. In his second season, he was named Player of the Year for the team.

Kante was also named the 2020–21 Champions League Midfielder of the Season as the Blues won the European Championship under former manager Thomas Tuchel.

The 32-year-old was linked in December to fellow Saudi team Al-Nassr, but he decided to sign with Al-Ittihad, who announced his arrival on their official Twitter page.

📝| الفرنسي انغولو كـانتي اتحادي 👊#WelcomeBox2Box pic.twitter.com/GPT9xlhUdh

— نادي الاتحاد السعودي (@ittihad) June 20, 2023

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