Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has joined Crystal Palace on a loan move for the remainder of 2024-25 Premier League edition, on the deadline day. Chilwell’s confrontation with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca led to his exclusion from recent matches. Former captain has appeared only once in the Chelsea’s squad this term, which came in their 5-0 League Cup success against Barrow in September 2024. The defender has shown up in 107 matches for Chelsea, since his joining in 2020.

Thereafter, he played a vital role in the London side’s success in the Champions League, the Super Cup, and the Club World Club. Earlier, he also served the Leicester side that won Premier League  2015-16 edition. 

Discussing his transfer, Chilwell looked elated and said he is excited to be a part of the new side which is heading towards a great direction. "I'm very excited to be here. Crystal Palace are a club that's going in a great direction," Chilwell remarked. He also added, "You look at the last few months, with the results and how the team's playing, and it was a no-brainer to make the decision to come here."

Confrontation with manager Enzo Meresca causes nightmare for veteran

Chilwell, who used to be a regular in Chelsea’s setup, faced a tough time during Enzo Maresca’s stint. Under the 44-year-old, Chilwell got only 45 minutes this season. Against Newcastle United, he was on the bench while in the further games, his name didn’t feature in the squad. In January 2025, Maresca in an interview informed that the former Chelsea skipper is free to leave the club if the opportunity presents itself.   

"Because players want to play more so there is probably chances for them to leave. But Ben has been top. I have to say that, he has been top," Maresca had said.