Nicolas Jackson Explains Chelsea Departure As He Joins Bayern To Play With Kane

‎Nicolas Jackson has welcomed the chance to team up with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, saying he hopes to learn from the England captain.

‎The 24-year-old Jackson faced a chaotic transfer deadline day, flying to Bavaria to sign with Bayern Munich before Chelsea announced that the deal had fallen through.

‎The Senegalese striker joined Chelsea in 2023 but failed to win over the supporters, as his uneven finishing and tendency for rash tackles prevented him from finding form.

‎Now, after moving to the German champions on loan with a conditional obligation to buy, he has admitted that leaving Chelsea felt bittersweet.

‎“[There were] very strong emotions, but not for the reasons you might think,” he told Italian outlet Tuttosport.

‎“I was simply very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world, to discover another league and other great players.

‎“At the same time, I was a little sad to leave Chelsea, my teammates, and the fans. I experienced so many strong emotions there: we won the Conference League and the Club World Cup.

‎“Now I’m 100% focused on my new project and I can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Arena.”

‎Despite reports that he was unsettled after Chelsea signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Jackson said he holds no ill feelings toward the club or its staff. He simply wanted a change of scenery after spending two seasons in west London.

‎He continued, “Football is full of cycles. Sometimes things don’t go as they should, and that’s part of the game.

‎“I respect Coach Maresca. I learned a lot from him; he has his own ideas and style. I just needed something different at this stage of my career.

‎”I have no regrets, just gratitude for my time at Chelsea.”

‎Jackson on playing with Harry Kane

‎Speaking to Tuttosport, Jackson expressed his excitement about playing alongside Kane now that he is officially a Bayern player, describing him as one of the best.

‎He said, “The most important thing won’t be Harry and me, but the whole team. It’s a huge honour. Kane is one of the best strikers in the world.

‎“I hope to learn from him, complement his game, and build a strong bond on the pitch. We are two strikers who complement each other very well on the pitch, and we will work hard to ensure the results live up to expectations.

‎“Playing with a striker of his calibre and all the others will definitely help me improve.”

‎Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich nearly collapsed when Chelsea tried to pull out after Liam Delap sustained a hamstring injury with less than 48 hours left in the transfer window.

‎The deal was renegotiated on Deadline Day and finally completed at the last moment, but Jackson insisted he was never worried it would fall through.

‎”Honestly, my advisors and I were very confident. I never doubted that I would sign with Bayern, so I took the situation philosophically.

‎“I’m in good health, as are my loved ones, and I’m lucky to be a professional footballer. Nothing else matters.”

‎Jackson will aim to debut for Die Roten after the international break, when they travel to Hamburger SV.

‎If that doesn’t happen, he could make his first minutes for the club against his parent club, Chelsea, in the Champions League.