Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei has shared his thoughts on his current role at the club, his relationship with manager Enzo Maresca, and his future ambitions in a candid interview with Tuttosport.
Describing himself as an all-around midfielder, Casadei said, “I like the term ‘all-rounder.’ In this role, I have to perform both phases: the constructive, offensive phase, and the defensive, breaking-up play phase. My athletic abilities help me play this dual role well.”
On his relationship with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, Casadei expressed excitement: “When I saw Maresca arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer, I was thrilled. We already knew each other because he was my coach for the first six months of last season at Leicester City.”
Regarding his goals at Chelsea, Casadei stated, “I want to become an important player for Chelsea. I will always give my best, working hard in training to continue improving and accumulating playing time.”
Addressing transfer rumors linking him to Napoli, Milan, and Juventus, Casadei affirmed his commitment to Chelsea: “After speaking with the coach, I was 100% sure that the decision to stay would be the best. Maresca told me what he thinks, I had no doubts. I stayed here without considering possible loans. Nor am I thinking about it for the next winter transfer window. I couldn’t be more proud to play for Chelsea. The spirit of competition was one of the reasons why I decided not to leave.”
Casadei also revealed his admiration for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, saying, “I’m flattered by comparisons with Milinkovic-Savic, Rodri, and Ballack. I’ve been inspired by the Serbian, now in Arabia. We share a role and physical characteristics: I’m 1.90m tall and weigh 88 kilos. But I have a long way to go.”
On his childhood allegiances, Casadei shared, “As a child, I idolized Kaká and supported Milan. However, I became a professional and my first Serie A team was Inter, with whom I hold no grudges for the transfer.”
Finally, Casadei expressed his dream of playing for the Italian national team: “Every Italian footballer dreams of wearing the senior national team jersey. You have to earn it. With work and humility. Now I play for the Under-21s. And I look at Pisilli, Daniel Maldini, Gabbia called up by Spalletti for the first time. It’s beautiful…”
