In a candid interview with the club’s media team, Chelsea forward Jadon Sancho revealed his long-standing admiration for the Blues, dating back to his younger days. Sancho, a London native, grew up watching Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League victory in 2012, which he believes instilled a sense of loyalty and a “winning culture” in him.
The 24-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Manchester United in the summer, discussed his childhood memories of watching Chelsea’s matches, particularly the dramatic Champions League semifinal against Barcelona in 2012. Sancho recalled being glued to the television with his friend, who had bet him that Chelsea would win and offered to perform a funny forfeit if they did.
When Ramires scored the equalizing goal, his friend was devastated, but Sancho’s friend later redeemed himself when Fernando Torres scored the winner. Sancho’s friend’s reaction, he said, left an indelible mark on his memory. Moreover, the sight of Didier Drogba emerging and scoring the winning penalty in the final still sends shivers down his spine. “The final speaks for itself, Drogba coming in clutch,” he said, emphasizing the mental strength and resilience required to overcome such adversity.
Sancho’s fascination with Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League triumph did not deter him from pursuing a career with other clubs before eventually joining the Blues. As a teenager, he attended the Watford academy before moving to Manchester City, and then joined Borussia Dortmund, before moving to Manchester United in 2021. Sancho’s experiences with these clubs have honed his skills, and he is now determined to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge.
Sancho’s arrival at Chelsea has been promising, with the Englishman providing three assists in his first three games before being hampered by illness and injuries. His impressive performance in the Europa Conference League against FC Heidenheim 1846 has reignited hopes of a starting spot in the Premier League against Aston Villa on Sunday.
