Why Timo Werner left Chelsea
Robin Bairner
- 18 Aug 2022 13:10 BST
- 3 min read
Timo Werner has opened up on his decision to return to RB Leipzig from Chelsea this summer following a failed spell with the Premier League side.
Germany international forward Werner, whose estimated value is €47m, moved to Stamford Bridge for €53 million in 2020 but failed to recapture the type of form he had shown while in the Bundesliga.
After two frustrating seasons with the club, he switched back to the German side once more, with Chelsea taking a hit of €33m over his fee.
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Speaking to Bild, Werner revealed that his desire to get first-team football which may secure a place at the 2022 World Cup was crucial to his decision.
“Last season wasn’t satisfactory for me, mainly because I had to accept setbacks after coronavirus and other injuries but that shouldn’t be used as an excuse for the second half of last season,” he told the German outlet.
“I didn’t play enough last season and I felt that, and this was reinforced in the friendlies with Chelsea, that for the second season in a row I would not start. In a year when there is a World Cup, I didn’t want to risk not taking part in the tournament.
“Now was the right time to change. I’m 26 and I want to play. I want to be back on the pitch every week.”
Werner learned key skills at Chelsea
Meanwhile, Werner discussed his development over the last two years as a person – and explained that learning English was perhaps the biggest skill he gained while with Chelsea.
“In two years in London, I have developed a lot of personality, I have matured as a person,” he said. “The two years between 24 and 26 is an important phase. Many people finish their studies during this time and then go to work. For me it was different.
“I didn’t know my way around London at all in the beginning. But them my girlfriend and I sorted it out very independently, we made a giant step in our development. I’ve learned to make decisions, on and off the pitch. And my English is now very good, which also helps enormously in the team.”
Werner made a goalscoring return for RB Leipzig in a 2-2 draw with Koln last weekend.
