Chiesa speaks out on Liverpool future after being 'catapulted to another planet'

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has hinted he could stay at Anfield this summer despite a frustrating first season with the Reds, and has opened up on his relationship with Arne Slot

Despite a challenging first season with Liverpool, Federico Chiesa remains open to continuing his stint at Anfield. The Italian winger only made 14 appearances during his maiden Reds campaign, with 10 of those coming from the bench.

Although Chiesa bagged a Premier League winners medal he had limited time on the pitch, with his sole start coming in a largely ceremonial match at Brighton and Hove Albion with the title already in the bag.

The 27-year-old has been persistently linked with a move back to Serie A, and Chiesa hinted earlier this week that an Italian homecoming might be an option in the upcoming transfer window.

However in a new interview the Italian has expressed contentment at the prospect of remaining on Merseyside, reflecting positively on his decision to move to Liverpool.

"The year is over. But it's an experience I would do again," Chiesa told Corriere dello Sport, via the Liverpool Echo.

"Soon I will sit down at the table with the club, (my agent) Fali (Ramadani) and my family to find the best solution. I wouldn't mind staying in Liverpool at all."

The Italian transferred from Juventus to Liverpool last August for an initial fee of £10million after being pushed aside by the Italian heavyweights. Although joining Liverpool came with its hurdles, including injury and fitness woes during the early season, Chiesa seems ready to discuss his future with optimism.

The Italian star openly expressed his frustration about not getting enough game time but was quick to avoid criticising Arne Slot for his selection decisions, acknowledging that a player has to accept such scenarios as part of the profession.

"You accept the choices as a professional and you move on," he said, reflecting on his challenging adaptation period after joining Liverpool. "In the first few months there were many difficulties."

Admitting to the stark transition, he added: "If you think that I arrived in Liverpool on August 26 and found myself catapulted to another planet, with other teammates, without having trained with them, but with a trainer, no friendlies, nothing.

"And, if you remember, in the autumn Liverpool were going three times as fast as the others, an incredible intensity.

"Up until the match against PSG, Liverpool was ahead of everyone, in the semi-final of Carabao and among the favourites in the Champions League, which PSG won. Could I start to discuss the choices of Slot who has always been very respectful towards me, as well as the club?

"(I was up against) the Ballon d'Or, or one of the candidates for the award (in Mohamed Salah). "(On the left) there were Luis Diaz and (Cody) Gakpo. Slot also made me play as a nine. It was Max (Allegri) who changed my position, suggesting that I move to a second striker to score more, and I scored my goals.

"The desire to play was there, I put it aside, I understood the situation. I put aside every form of individualism."