Facundo Buonanotte breaks silence on bizarre Chelsea transfer

Brighton attacker Facundo Buonanotte has revealed why he chose to join Chelsea on loan in the summer.

The Argentine youngster completed one of the strangest moves of the previous transfer window when he became the latest in a long list of Brighton players to trade the South Coast for West London.

Buonanotte was expected to leave the Seagulls all summer, having fielded interest from various Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, but few could have anticipated that he would join Chelsea on a straight loan deal.

The Blues have no option or obligation to make his stay at Stamford Bridge permanent, although they will reportedly have the ability to match any transfer offers that come in for him next summer.

Chelsea moved for the 20-year-old as an emergency signing to make up the numbers after missing out on Xavi Simons, and he has predictably struggled for game time, playing just 189 minutes so far. He was only included in their Champions League squad after Dario Essugo suffered a long-term injury.

Buonanotte breaks silence on Chelsea move

Speaking to DSports Radio, Buonanotte has now revealed why he opted to join Chelsea over his other suitors, who would have perhaps offered him more regular minutes.

“What you want is to play so you can be in the Argentine national team, but when a club as big as Chelsea comes along, you can’t say no,” he insisted.

“I wanted to take on this challenge to prove I’m up to it. I’m very happy and very comfortable. It’s the best league in the world. It never ceases to surprise you. Something different can happen every minute.”

Buonanotte also revealed that he has formed a close friendship with compatriot Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge. “He’s a fundamental pillar. I learn from him every day, and he was the first to write to me when my move to the club was finalised,” he said.

“I don’t need to say anything about what he’s like on the pitch because he’s a wonderful player and everyone sees that. But beyond that, he’s a great person.”

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