Ben Chilwell wasted no time in reminding Chelsea and Enzo Maresca exactly who they had let go in his first interview as a Crystal Palace player.
The English full-back completed a loan move to Selhurst Park on deadline day, joining the Eagles until the end of the season.
The move comes after a difficult season for Chilwell at Stamford Bridge.
Once a key player who helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2020/21, the 28-year-old found himself cast aside by new boss Enzo Maresca, making just one appearance in all competitions, against Barrow in the EFL Cup.
Speaking for the first time as a Palace player, Chilwell took the opportunity to remind Chelsea, and seemingly Maresca, of his credentials.
Asked what convinced him to join Palace and manager Oliver Glasner, Chilwell said: "I think, firstly, when it comes to the style of football that he wants to play, he mentioned playing in a back five with wing-backs, which is something I’m familiar with."
"I did it during the season at Chelsea when we won the Champions League, so it’s a system I enjoy," he explained. “The attacking side of things suits me as a player, and [Glasner] emphasised that it was something that he really wants from his wing-backs, which obviously excited me."
Prior to his Palace switch, Maresca said he felt "shame" over Chilwell's Chelsea situation, though lso reiterated that the defender was no longer part of his plans at Stamford Bridge.
"Ben has been top. I have to say that, he has been top," said the Italian, according to TNT Sports.
"Very professional, works hard," he added. "I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good."
When asked why Chilwell wasn't part of his plans, Maresca said: "I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunities in the past to win titles and be in the national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kinds of things."
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