Italy youth international Cesare Casadei has insisted that it is his long-term goal to play in the Premier League for Chelsea, despite rumoured interest from a number of different clubs back home in Serie A in recent weeks.
The 20-year-old impressed on international duty with the Azzurrini in June, picking up both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot at the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, ending up with seven goals from midfield as Carmine Nunziata’s side finished as the tournament’s runners up.
Casadei, who spent almost five years on Inter’s books as a youth player, has told Sportweek that his decision to move to England last summer is one that he does not regret.
“It’s an experience that is teaching me a lot in every aspect,” he said in a recent interview. “I’m really happy with the choice I made along with my agent Paolo Busardò. It wasn’t the easiest option, but I wanted to take this opportunity because the chance to sign for a team like Chelsea, might only come up a few times in your career, if not only once.
“Today, I can say that this experience is giving me a lot from both a human and professional point of view. I feel like I’ve improved a lot since coming here.”
Casadei spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan in the Championship with Reading, where he made a decent impression from his 15 league appearances.
Some reports had detailed that certain clubs in Serie A, particularly Juventus and Inter, could be interested in making a move to bring Casadei back to Italy. Instead, Casadei confirmed that it is his long-term ambition to feature in the Premier League, which he believes is the best division in the world.
Asked if Inter was his favourite team, having spent so much of his youth career there, he replied: “I’ll be honest, I’ve never had one. As a football fan, I’ve always liked the players more than the teams.
“I’ve just finished the season and I want to disconnect from football for a few days. Afterwards, it will depend on the options that are on the table and my decisions. But, I have a five-year contract with Chelsea.
“I’ve embarked on a journey that isn’t a short term mission. The club is investing in young players and I aim to be part of its project. My ambition is to wear the shirt and play in the Premier League, which is currently the number one league in the world.”