Willy Caballero has explained why he refused to sign a contract extension with Chelsea this summer and eventually decided to leave the club as a free agent after such a successful season.
The 39-year-old was one of the seven players released by the Blues in June, alongside the likes of Marco van Ginkel and fellow goalkeeper Jamal Blackman.
Many fans might have assumed that the club took the decision due to Caballero’s age.
It was not the case, however, and the Argentine could have continued his four-year spell at Chelsea. But he turned down the opportunity.
While he did not speak about it publicly, it turned out that Caballero was not very happy about his situation since Edouard Mendy arrived at the club.
“Some people didn’t understand why I turned down a contract as a third goalkeeper,” he told Goal.
“I believe I am playing at this age because I have always been motivated.
“As a third goalkeeper last season, I found it really tough.
“It was my first season as a third-choice goalkeeper. I was losing my motivation at Chelsea.
“I believe for this reason to not renew with Chelsea, to try to find a new challenge to keep that passion alive inside.”
Chelsea eventually signed Marcus Bettinelli, who had just been released by Fulham, as a replacement for Caballero.
Meanwhile, Caballero is still looking for opportunities to find a new club, having had a trial at Brentford and been involved in a Malaga-based training camp for free-agent footballers.
“I want to keep playing and living football. I am waiting for the new challenge,” he added.
“Training at Chelsea with Mendy and Kepa [Arrizabalaga] last season was very good.
“It is a challenge to train with good, young goalkeepers. I feel it was a real achievement to train at their level every week.
“I know I have just one, two, or three years until the end of my career.”
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
