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Kepa Arrizabalaga: 'I have never thought about leaving Chelsea'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 19 February 2021

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga claims he has never considered leaving the club and is "no longer afraid" to play a key role under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has claimed that he has never considered leaving the club and is "no longer afraid" to play a key role under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Spaniard, who joined the Blues in 2018 for a world record £72m fee for a goalkeeper, fell out of favour under former head coach Frank Lampard, who was sacked in January.

After making several mistakes in recent seasons, Chelsea decided to sign Rennes stopper Edouard Mendy last summer, which saw Kepa's first-team action reduced, however the 26-year-old is hoping to earn back the number one jersey at Stamford Bridge.

"Three months ago things were difficult. It has been a complicated year for a number of reasons. But I have never thought about leaving Chelsea," Kepa told Spanish outlet COPE.

"I did not have any problems with Lampard. It's true that I did not give the best version of myself or play as I would have wanted. But we never had any issue.

"I feel good after my period of inactivity. I hope to play more and I am no longer afraid and want to play an important part for Chelsea."

After starting his first Premier League game since mid-October against Newcastle United, Kepa will be hoping to keep his place in the Chelsea side that travels to Southampton on Saturday.