Chelsea Slammed for "Reaching a New Low" with Joao Felix Announcement
Chelsea have been accused of "reaching a new low" with their announcement video for Joao Felix, with fans taking issue with the timing and tone of the post. The Blues confirmed the permanent capture of Felix, who has signed a seven-year deal, just hours after Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid was finalized.
The announcement video featured a series of clips of Felix in the new kit at Chelsea’s Cobham training base, set to Kanye West’s "Homecoming". However, fans were quick to point out that the track’s meaning of a kid growing up and developing a deep attachment to his city is at odds with Chelsea’s decision to drive out their homegrown player, Gallagher.
Gallagher, a boyhood Chelsea fan, grew up just 10 minutes away from the club’s training ground and spent 20 years in the academy and first-team. His departure has been met with widespread disappointment, and fans are upset that Chelsea chose to use Felix’s announcement to facilitate the sale of their homegrown player.
One fan wrote: "Using Homecoming on the announcement of a former loan player you’ve only signed to enable the sale of an actual homegrown player is a new low." Another added: "Especially considering the track’s meaning of a kid growing up and developing a deep attachment to his city. But they’ve driven out their locality and heart, choosing a soulless, profit-driven scheme. It’s so backwards, man."
Chelsea’s decision to prioritize profit over loyalty has led to a backlash on social media, with many fans expressing their disappointment and frustration. As one fan put it: "The most embarrassing institution in football." Another wrote: "Chelsea are quickly becoming the most disliked club aren’t they."
Gallagher, meanwhile, has penned a five-year contract with Atletico and will be registered as an EU player due to a clever loophole. The 22-year-old midfielder will be looking to make a name for himself in La Liga, and fans will be watching with interest to see how he fares.
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