Nicolas Jackson departed Chelsea on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window, and he’s now sent a message to his old teammates ahead of the Bayern Munich game.
Despite some late drama following Liam Delap’s injury, the Senegal international joined Bayern Munich after Chelsea signed Joao Pedro and Delap himself.
He will play for the Bundesliga outfit this season, and the German giants will be obligated to make the deal permanent if Jackson starts 40 games this season.
However, Jackson won’t have to wait until next summer to see his Chelsea teammates, as the Blues play Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the opening game of the Champions League.
Nicolas Jackson is ready to see his Chelsea teammates
Bayern Munich will host the Blues in their first game back in the Champions League, a competition that Jackson helped them qualify for last season.
After being unveiled to the public as an official Bayern Munich player and the club’s new number 11, Jackson spoke to the German press about what the moment means to face Enzo Maresca’s side so soon.
“I’m very happy to see my friends and teammates from Chelsea. Hopefully, we have a good game and win.”
Of course, his transfer almost didn’t happen after Delap suffered a hamstring injury, which left Chelsea short on attacking options.
Chelsea almost cancelled Jackson’s transfer, but ultimately recalled Marc Guiu from his loan deal at Sunderland to provide the necessary cover.
He said: “It was tough, a tough time. Difficult moments in those last days. But I was very confident I will stay here because this is where I want to play and want to be.
“It was very tough, but in the end we got it, so I’m very glad.”
However, one person who disagreed with Chelsea’s decision was Paul Merson, who admitted he felt Jackson should have stayed at Stamford Bridge this season.
Will Chelsea miss Nicolas Jackson’s goals?
While Jackson was an erratic player who had a poor disciplinary record, he did score 30 goals across two seasons at the club, which isn’t a poor return.
Jackson proved himself to be a genuine goal threat, even if he missed several chances, and there is an element of risk involved in allowing him to leave the club for Delap and Pedro.
However, Pedro has started well at Stamford Bridge, scoring two goals in his opening three Premier League fixtures.
While Delap is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Pedro’s goals, combined with some contributions from the rest of the squad, should see Chelsea through.
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