Emerson Palmieri admitted that Roberto Mancini had asked him to depart Chelsea in order to gain minutes ahead of the European Championships.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Emerson explained the conversation between him and Italy’s national team manager that took place last October.
Despite being heavily involved with his country’s international plans, the left-back has found opportunities difficult to come by at club level.
Signed from Roma in 2018, Emerson’s role at Chelsea can only really be described as a backup.
The 26-year-old has made just two Premier League appearances this season, which is far from ideal preparation for the ever-approaching Euros.
There have been continuing talks about a move back to Italy, with Goal reporting that Emerson would be part of the Blues summer sale.
Mancini wants Emerson out
Mancini evidently supported this transfer by urging the defender to abandon Chelsea so he could be fully functional for the summer’s footballing tournament.
“It showed that he (Mancini) cared about me,” said Emerson about his coach’s approach.
“He wants to see me doing well, so he said that perhaps it would be best for me if I headed to another ambitious team where I could play as much as possible and raise my game again.
“He expressed this wish, but we know that sometimes in football, it depends on other things, a number of factors.
“It’s not only up to me. All I can promise, whenever I’m with the national team, is to run and play to the last drop of sweat.”
Euro adventure
Emerson featured in Italy’s final friendly before the Euros, a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.
Chelsea teammate Jorginho also featured, as the pair aim to fly the Blues flag high on the European stage.
They will kick off their campaign by facing Turkey this Friday, followed by Switzerland and then Wales.
Competitions like these are often great shop windows for players searching for an exit; Emerson could well fall into this category.
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