Moises Caicedo targets further Chelsea progress after taking on leadership role

Moises Caicedo says he is determined to keep improving and give more to Chelsea after describing his time at Stamford Bridge as a period of significant personal and footballing development.

The 24-year-old Ecuador international joined Chelsea in August 2023 and has become an important part of the midfield. Having missed matches at the start of the current season, Caicedo returned against Bournemouth on Saturday and helped Chelsea secure a 5-1 victory with an impressive display.

Caicedo said the difficulties of his first season at the club had played an important part in his development.

“It has been a great journey for me, more than three special years at one of the best clubs in the world,” he said in an interview published by Chelsea.

“In my first season, I passed some tough moments, I would say. They helped me to grow, to keep developing, and to be in the position I am in right now. I can look back and say it’s a pleasure for what I passed.”

The midfielder added that he remained thankful for the backing he had received since moving to London and wanted to repay Chelsea through his performances.

“Now I’m just enjoying trying to do everything for this club, because they gave me everything. They helped me in every way, and I’ve grown up a lot because of them,” Caicedo said.

“I have more experience now, I’m more mature, and I just want to keep learning and keep doing what I’m doing.”

Caicedo is also developing his influence within Chelsea’s leadership group. He said coaches had encouraged him to communicate more during matches, although he admitted that leading through his actions came more naturally than speaking.

“I think every coach tells me that I can improve talking on the pitch, you know?

“Because they know that I’m a leader, but it will be better for me if I start talking more with the players. I try my best, but it’s not in my nature. So when I’m not able to talk, I just try to show even more.”

The Ecuadorian said he wanted to maintain his standards, perform consistently and continue giving Chelsea supporters reasons to celebrate. He also hoped to help the club win more silverware.

“I can say Chelsea is my home because they treat me like I’ve been here for a long, long time. It’s a special place for me,” he said.

“The only thing I can say is that I want to always be the same, but even more so on the pitch. I want to always show my teammates, the coaches, and the fans just what I’m capable of.”