“It’s not a mistake” – Chelsea ace insists he’s happy with move after being harshly treated by the club

Djordje Petrovic has acknowledged that while he had aspirations of remaining in the Premier League, he is content and thriving at Strasbourg.

 

Petrovic joined Chelsea from MLS club New England Revolution during the summer transfer window of 2023 in a deal worth £14 million.

 

The 25-year-old initially had to wait for his opportunity, making his debut in December 2023 as a late substitute after Robert Sanchez sustained an injury.

 

Petrovic Excelling at Strasbourg

 

The Serbian goalkeeper seized the moment, delivering impressive performances in Sanchez’s absence. He quickly cemented his place as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper during the latter half of the 2023-24 season. Over the course of the campaign, Petrovic made 31 appearances across all competitions, contributing significantly as the team, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, achieved a top-six Premier League finish.

 

Despite these achievements, Petrovic faced unexpected challenges heading into the new season. Manager Enzo Maresca opted to reinstate Sanchez as the starting goalkeeper, and Chelsea further bolstered their squad by signing Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal. Consequently, Petrovic was deemed surplus to requirements and loaned to Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club in Ligue 1.

 

A Promising Future in France

 

Despite the setback, Petrovic remains optimistic about his future at Chelsea and has been quietly making an impact in France. With Strasbourg currently positioned 14th in Ligue 1, Petrovic has played in 11 matches, managing to secure two clean sheets.

 

Reflecting on his move, Petrovic expressed his initial desire to stay in England but emphasized that joining Strasbourg was not a misstep in his career. “I am very happy here in Strasbourg,” he stated, adding, “It’s true I wanted to stay in the Premier League, but once I started working with the team and staff here, everything clicked right away. This move is not a mistake in my journey.”

 

Looking ahead, Chelsea faces a crucial decision regarding their goalkeeper roster, with Petrovic and Sanchez both vying for a spot. Based on his current form, Petrovic could prove to be a valuable asset for the Blues next season.