Nicolas Jackson opens up on Chelsea exit with honest message to Enzo Maresca

Nicolas Jackson has admitted that he wanted to leave Chelsea because he needed 'something different' at this stage of his career. The forward was loaned to Bayern Munich in the final days of the transfer window after being deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca. The move was nearly called off after Liam Delap picked up a hamstring injury in the game against Fulham.

Chelsea ended up recalling Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland, which allowed the Jackson deal to go through. They are said to be receiving a loan fee of around £13million, while Bayern also have a £70m option to make the move permanent next summer. Jackson was bumped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the summer arrivals of Delap and Joao Pedro.

Opening up on why he wanted to leave the Blues, he told Tuttosport that he wanted a different challenge under a new head coach.

"Football is full of cycles," said Jackson. "Sometimes things don't go as they should, and that's part of the game. I respect coach Maresca.

"I learned a lot from him. He has his own ideas and style. I just needed something different at this stage of my career. I have no regrets, just gratitude for my time at Chelsea."

Jackson added that he had mixed feelings after flying to Germany to complete his move to Bayern, who are hunting a second successive Bundesliga title this season.

"Very strong emotions, but not for the reasons you might think," he explained. "I was simply very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world, to discover another league and other great players.

"At the same time, I was a little sad to leave Chelsea, my teammates, and the fans. I experienced so many strong emotions there.

"We won the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Now I'm 100 per cent focused on my new project and I can't wait to experience the incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Arena."

Before the striker's move to Bayern was confirmed, Maresca suggested that leaving Chelsea would make him happier.

Quizzed on Jackson's future as well as the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Ben Chilwell, who also secured moves away from Stamford Bridge, the Blues manager said: "We'll see if they're going to be here, if they're going to be with us.

"In case they are not here it means they have found a solution. At the end I think it's always better if they can find a solution because I think they are going to be more happy and the club the same."

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