Cahill eyeing Chelsea exit to reignite career
Ex-England defender unhappy at being given cold shoulder by Sarri
Gary Cahill has revealed he is prepared to quit Chelsea in January, as he grows increasingly frustrated at being frozen out by head coach Maurizio Sarri.
Cahill has not played a single minute since Sarri’s appointment in July and the former England defender is ready to call time on his six-year career at Stamford Bridge.
The 32-year-old has lifted two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup since joining from Bolton Wanderers for £7 million (Dh33.83 million) in January 2012, and was named as club captain last season after John Terry’s departure.
His decision to retire from international football after the World Cup was designed to prolong his career at club level, yet it has been a difficult start for the centre-half since Sarri’s arrival. Cahill has not been included in any of Sarri’s squads for Chelsea’s five Premier League games and was an unused substitute for Thursday’s Europa League tie with PAOK Salonika.
He has admitted he will consider leaving in January, with Watford and Marseille emerging as potential destinations.
When asked if he could leave in the new year, he said: “I don’t want to jump the gun, but as things stand at this time, probably, yes. I’m not a guy who is willing to accept not playing.
“Your career’s short enough as it is. I’ve got maximum respect for everybody here at the club, for the fans and all the players. But sometimes you have to make tough decisions to keep your career going forward. As it is now, I’m not really enjoying things. Having ■ been a big part of things for seven years and played a huge part, not just a squad player, I’m definitely finding it difficult this year to deal with that situation.
“The most important thing here is the team, but I’ve got to look at my situation and my future as well. Everything gradually comes to an end or there’s a new challenge around the corner.”
Cahill will be a free agent at the end of this season, so any deal to take him in January is unlikely to be expensive for interested clubs.