Edouard Mendy snaps at Chelsea’s new owner by thanking Roman Abramovich and former director Marina Granovskaia in farewell message as Champions League-winning goalkeeper completes Al-Ahli move
- The Senegal international is leaving Chelsea after three years in West London
- Mendy shared an emotional message with fans as he prepares to move to Saudi Arabia
- The 31-year-old joined the Premier League team from Ligue 1 side Rennes in 2020
Edouard Mendy appeared to disapprove of Chelsea’s new owner in his farewell message as the Senegal international bid farewell to Blues fans after three years at Stamford Bridge.
The goalkeeper completed the move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli on Wednesday evening, becoming the third Chelsea player – after N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly – to book a move to the Middle East.
The 31-year-old joined the club from Ligue 1 side Rennes in 2020, during the final years of Roman Abramovich’s 19-year ownership of the West London side, and Mendy was keen to share his gratitude with the hierarchy that brought him to Chelsea . .
But there were no such personal messages for current co-controlling owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali or Jose Feliciano, who bought the club in May 2022, nor sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
Mendy shared the post on Instagram, along with a carousel of images from his 2021 Champions League victory, writing:
Edouard Menday appeared to reject Chelsea’s new owner when he parted ways with Chelsea
Co-controlling owner Todd Boehly was not mentioned by name, but under the banner of ‘new owners’ in the Instagram post
“Chelsea,” Mendy began.
“As I prepare for a new chapter in my career, it is hard to say goodbye. It’s been an incredible three years wearing the Chelsea shirt, achieving great successes including winning the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Roman, Marina (Granovskaia), Petr (Cech), Christophe (Lollichon, a former Chelsea goalkeeper coach) and all the staff who made it possible for me to represent this prestigious club. I owe my coaches and grateful to all the staff for the invaluable lessons and growth I have experienced.
“A special thanks to all my teammates for the unforgettable journey we have been on together. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to all the fans for their incredible support throughout my time at Chelsea.
It’s time for me to turn a new page. I sincerely wish the club every success with the new owners and countless titles in the years to come.
“Edo.”
Granovskaia was Abramovich’s trusted manager of Chelsea, promoted to the top job in west London after years of working for the oligarch in various business capacities, and left the club in the aftermath of the takeover, as did Cech, who was appointed sporting director had served for three years.
The Instagram post was accompanied by images commemorating his time with the Blues
Chelsea’s former owner Roman Abramovich (left) and Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech were all mentioned by name in Mendy’s farewell message
Mendy’s final season at Stamford Bridge was a difficult one, pockmarked with injuries and struggling to win the number 1 jersey from Kepa Arrizabalaga, which Mendy had previously usurped on his arrival three years earlier.
The goalkeeper, who won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup as well as the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel, is not the only outgoing Chelsea star whose farewell message attracted attention on Wednesday night.
Kai Havertz – who completed a £65m move across London to Premier League rivals Arsenal – took to social media to express his frustration that his North London announcement was leaked before he could say goodbye to Chelsea fans.
The German said he was “upset” because fans learned about the transfer through a leaked video.