Chelsea talent Cesare Casadei explained why he decided to make the jump to West London and admitted he’d ‘do it all again’ when reflecting on his Inter exit.
The 20-year-old midfielder switched Italy for England back in August 2022, joining the Blues in a deal worth around €15m, a large fee considering that he never made a first team appearance in the Lombardy capital.
A highly rated talent, Casadei was sent by Chelsea to Championship side Reading in the January transfer window on a six-month loan deal, where he impressed with regular first team football. He is currently competing at the Under-20 World Cup with the Azzurri, where he’s scored four goals in three games.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Casadei was first asked about his goalscoring exploits at the U-20 World Cup.
“I always liked Kaka, then I realised that my characteristics were not quite the same…”
He touched on his role in the U-20 squad.
“I feel great in this Italy squad. As a mezzala I fit in, I play the ball a lot, I accompany the build-up, I have fun and I score. But I would gladly sacrifice personal glory to win the World Cup.”
The 20-year-old Italian midfielder spoke about his €15m move to Chelsea last year.
“Chelsea always invests in young people and I am grateful for the opportunity. It was a career and life choice that I would recommend because going abroad opens your mind.
“At the beginning it wasn’t easy, I had to adapt to a different culture. I am overcoming the language barrier with an English teacher who follows me. And then there they are not afraid to throw you in, I almost immediately trained with the first team Blues.”
Casadei was asked if he regretted leaving Inter before making a first team appearance.
“No no, I’d do it all again. I’m really happy in England.”
He reflected on his six-month loan spell with Reading.
“Playing as a starter in the Championship allowed me to experience top level football. Now I’m going back to Chelsea to play my chances.”
The 20-year-old spoke about facing some of his Chelsea teammates in the U-20 World Cup. Italy will face England in the Round of 16.
“Last year they denied us the dream of the U-19 European Championship final. They are strong, but with our speed between the lines we can create problems.”
Finally, Casadei discussed the recent flooding in his home region of Emilia-Romagna.
‘With my head I’m in Argentina, but with my heart I was in Ravenna. My family is fortunately not in such a serious condition, but I have friends who are suffering a lot. I’m playing for them too.”
Left a club with financial problems to go to a club with every problem other than financial problems.