Batshuayi planning Chelsea return as a 'better player'

Tom Storer

Batshuayi planning Chelsea return as a 'better player' image

Michy Batshuayi says he wants to return to Chelsea following his loan spell at Valencia and still has ambitions in the Premier League.

The Belgian has been a bit-part player for the Blues since joining in 2016 and was loaned out to Borrussia Dortmund in January last season, with a spell in Germany seeing him net seven times in nine league games. 

Since linking up with Valencia over the summer, Batshuayi has made just three starts and scored only one goal as his new team have struggled in La Liga.

Los Che have picked up a solitary win and sit 14th in the league table, while they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in their Champions League opener.

When asked whether he would like to make a permanent move to the Mestalla after his loan spell ends, Batshuayi told the Times: “No. I’ve so much respect for Chelsea and I love them.

“This loan is important for my development, to show how good I am so that I can go back to Chelsea a better player.”

“Everyone knows there’s real emphasis on technique in La Liga and I’m a technical player; in that sense it’s a good fit.

"But all leagues are a good fit for me - I can play anywhere. Germany and England were good fits too.”

Asked whether he has been in contact with his parent club since moving to Valencia, the striker said: “I haven’t spoken to them, not at all.

“That’s something for my agent and Chelsea to take care of, but I’ve not spoken to the club or [Maurizio] Sarri.”

Batshuayi also opened up on the difficulties he faced when he arrived at Stamford Bridge from Marseille as a 22-year-old.

“Initially it was difficult for me,” he said. “I was a young guy arriving at such a huge club, a changing room filled with stars.

"Fortunately I had Eden [Hazard] and [Thibaut] Courtois who took me under their wing and explained how things were done."

Batshuayi will be looking to impress when Valencia take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Tom Storer