Chelsea couldn't keep me due to financial sanctions. Even my wife had to stop going to the club gym because Chelsea could no longer pay the fees' Saul Niguez opens up on his Chelsea loan move

"I wanted to learn English and experience the Premier League, just as Fernando Torres, my idol, had done. At the same time, Atletico had made a huge financial effort to bring back Antoine Griezmann and I was encouraged to leave. Joining the reigning European champions felt like a good move to keep growing as a player."

"I'd gone to London on loan with an optional 30 million purchase clause, which the club told me they intended to activate. Under Thomas Tuchel, I learned a lot and enjoyed playing with the team. As well as getting to play under the now-England boss, the 31-year-old also enjoyed early successes, not least winning the Club World Cup in February 2022."

Saul Niguez joined Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid in August 2021 following the Spanish club's La Liga title win. The midfielder sought to follow Fernando Torres's path by experiencing the Premier League while Atletico encouraged his departure after re-signing Antoine Griezmann. Chelsea, the reigning European champions, offered a 30 million pound optional purchase clause. Under Thomas Tuchel, Saul initially thrived and won the Club World Cup in February 2022. However, his season deteriorated due to injuries, illness, and unprecedented off-pitch events affecting the club, preventing him from maintaining early momentum and establishing himself in the squad.

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