Sancho ripped to shreds by ex-Chelsea star over motivation for transfer from MU

Emmanuel Petit is completely confused by Jadon Sancho's decision to join Chelsea on Deadline Day and questioned the player's motivation.

Sancho left Manchester United on loan for the second time after growing frustrated with Erik ten Hag. After a stint back at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last season, he opted for a return to his native London.

However, ex-Chelsea midfielder Petit is baffled as to why Sancho would choose to join an already packed Blues squad, given the intense competition for places. The Frenchman even joked about the lack of space in Chelsea's dressing room after their busy summer influx.

"When I saw they had signed Jadon Sancho on Deadline Day, I wondered if there was even any shirt numbers left for him," he told sports betting site BetVictor (via football.london). "Imagine him opening the door to the dressing room and seeing so many players they don't all fit in the same dressing room! At the training ground they must have two dressing rooms, three pitches and 12 physios.

“The club are not the only ones responsible for the situation. It also comes down to the players. How can Sancho bring himself to sign for Chelsea after what happened at Manchester United? He was loaned to Borussia Dortmund, then went back to United, and now he’s off to Chelsea who have 40 or so players and he is just one of them."

The former France international didn't hold back in slamming the move, arguing it could be a money-driven decision for Sancho, who is set to struggle for guaranteed playing time once again. Petit continued: "Hasn't he had enough of moving around clubs, losing his way on the pitch and losing his confidence? Now he's at a club that has no consistency, lacking in confidence and results. If he's not there for the money, what is he there for?"

This isn't the first time voices have been raised concerning Chelsea's controversial transfer market strategy. The dazzling summer spree overseen by Enzo Maresca has looked hectic, marked by the arrival of 11 new first-team players setting up shop in Stamford Bridge.

Before Sancho entered the scene, the Blues had already thrown £100million at the acquisitions of Pedro Neto and Joao Felix. That's taking into account the club had an already robust wing selection, including talents like Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Carney Chukwuemeka.

At 24, Sancho is expected to make his Chelsea switch permanent next year, with a full-time deal priced at £25m, contingent upon the Blues finishing 14th or higher in the Premier League table. While there are set to be financial upsides for Sancho in switching United for Chelsea, Petit may have overlooked one heartfelt detail concerning Sancho's childhood allegiances.

"I'd probably say Frank Lampard," the winger told talkSPORT in 2021 when asked to name his England idol. "I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can't lie! Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favourite players at the time.

"I just love Frank Lampard and how he played his game; he was so direct and so composed on the ball. I like things like that."

Those comments suggest the Camberwell native's affection for all things Chelsea run way deeper than Petit might expect. Sancho's next task is clear as he seeks to win over new coach Maresca, disprove critics like Petit, and show his dedication extends far beyond any financial incentives.