Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has revealed that he turned down the chance to leave the club over the summer.
The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and is regarded as the club's number two behind first-choice stopper Edouard Mendy.
Arrizabalaga made only 15 appearances across all competitions last season, including just four starts in the Premier League and one in the Champions League.
The Spaniard was linked with a move away from West London over the summer, with Serie A outfit Lazio one club allegedly interested in his services.
Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who is now in charge of the Aquile, signed Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao during his time at Stamford Bridge for a world-record fee of £72m in 2018.
© Reuters
Ligue 1 outfit Nice were also credited with an interest in the 6ft 1in goalkeeper, but they instead moved to sign veteran Kasper Schmeichel from Leicester City.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Arrizabalaga insists that he feels wanted by Chelsea and is happy to fight for his place.
"Yes, there were [chances to leave Chelsea], but the club always gave me their trust, they always wanted me to be part of the squad," Arrizabalaga told reporters via AS. "We analysed it and I am happy to stay and be in this great club."
Arrizabalaga, who has three years remaining on his contract, has also spoken about his desire to return to the Spain national team squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
"Obviously I dream about it," the 11-cap international added, "I had the privilege of being in Russia and I work to be there.
© Reuters
"This time that I haven't played at the club is difficult, but I feel the confidence of the national team's coaching staff and hopefully if I have continuity at my club I can be there."
Arrizabalaga last played for Spain back in July 2020 in a friendly against Portugal, and he is currently behind the likes of Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez, David Raya and David de Gea in the pecking order under manager Luis Enrique.
With Mendy currently on the sidelines with a knee problem, Arrizabalaga has started Chelsea's last two matches in the Champions League – the final match of Thomas Tuchel's reign and the first under the tutelage of newly-appointed head coach Graham Potter.
The Spaniard has admitted that it was "sad" to see Tuchel relieved of his duties, adding: "In the end it has only been a couple of days that we have been with him (Potter), it has been a bit of a crazy week.
"When a coach (Tuchel) with whom we have had so many good moments leaves, it is always a bit sad. With the new coach, there's new ideas."
With Mendy expected to return to full fitness after the international break, the Senegalese is likely to replace Arrizabalaga between the sticks when Chelsea face Crystal Palace in their next Premier League game on October 1.
Oliver Thomas
