Chelsea’s biggest departure of the January transfer window so far has left them without one of their more versatile players for the rest of this season.
Renato Veiga has joined Juventus for the rest of the season, as he seeks regular playing time for a top club.
Despite impressing whenever given the chance to play for Chelsea, this opportunity has not come often enough and normally only in the Conference League.
Enzo Maresca won’t like what Renato Veiga just told Juventus
Veiga has just one Premier League start underneath, which came in midfield as a result of a plethora of injuries.
It was reported that Veiga had decided he wanted to leave Chelsea was because he wanted to feature at the heart of the defence, something that had only been happening sporadically in the time since he joined.
This did not match up with what the Portugal international said straight after joining Chelsea, where he said he didn’t really have a favoured role.
He said at the time to the Chelsea website: “I’m a smart, aggressive player. I’m comfortable on the ball and I would describe myself as a complete player due to my versatility. I’m comfortable in many positions on the pitch.
“I wouldn’t say I have a favourite position because it depends on the opponent or tactical elements, but I have played at left-back, centre-back and as a defensive midfielder.”
He now appears to have changed his mind about the role he wishes to play, changing his answer when asked the exact same question by the Juventus website.
He said: “I feel comfortable in many areas of the pitch. My main role is central defender. I am a left-footed central defender, but I can also play in midfield and I’ve also played as a left-back. I can play wherever the coach decides…”
Saying that he can play wherever the coach decides just days after leaving Chelsea for those exact reasons is a real slap in the face to Enzo Maresca.
The Blues boss had been extremely complimentary of Veiga during his time at the club too, praising him for his versatility.
Renato Veiga’s Chelsea career tipped to be over
Despite the fact he has only left on loan so far, it has to be noted that the reports said originally that Veiga wanted to permanently leave Chelsea.
This is despite only joining the club a few months ago, with opportunities actually coming his way to make an impression as often as others who don’t quite find themselves in the starting side.
It has been predicted to the Chelsea Chronicle that Veiga’s Blues career will be over if he becomes any sort of regular at Juventus, leaving Chelsea the need to invest in that position again.
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