Malang Sarr: Lost time at Chelsea, but no regrets

Malang Sarr has left his tumultuous Chelsea chapter behind, reflecting on his “lost time” without bitterness.

The 25-year-old defender, now thriving at RC Lens, opened up to L’Équipe about his struggles at Stamford Bridge.

Sarr joined Chelsea on a free transfer from OGC Nice in 2020, but his dreams of Premier League stardom never materialized. Loan spells at Porto and AS Monaco followed, with his return to Chelsea in 2023 met by a transformed squad under Mauricio Pochettino. Sarr, sidelined entirely during the season, found himself part of a crowded roster of new arrivals, making no appearances for the Blues.

After a mutual contract termination, Sarr left Chelsea with just 21 appearances in four years. Yet, he holds no grudges. “I paid for the business of football,” Sarr admitted. “But regrets? None. I lost time, but it wasn’t due to my performance or character.”

Born to Senegalese immigrants in Nice’s Les Moulins neighborhood, Sarr now looks forward. At Lens, he’s determined to reclaim the time he felt was stolen.