Santos hails 'important' Chelsea-Strasbourg link

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has praised the club's close links with Strasbourg in aiding his early career.

The 21-year-old was the first player to cross the divide in a sensational 18-month loan spell at the Ligue 1 club, since they were bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2023, a year after the Americans bought Chelsea.

When asked about the link, Santos said: "I'm so happy to be the first one. This season there is a lot of quality players in Strasbourg, like Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Emanuel Emegha.

"I think it's so important for us, for both clubs. When I was there in Strasbourg, the people from Chelsea always send messages to you. They say you are so good here. I think it's important this relationship with Chelsea and Strasbourg."

English manager Liam Rosenior has excelled in Alsace since replacing Patrick Vieira in 2024.

Santos added: "I love my ex-coach. He's amazing. It's hard to say (enough positive things) about Liam. He helped me a lot and I improved a lot with him. In the last two weeks I sent messages to him.

"I always watch the games of Strasbourg and I said to him that my new baby is coming and he said to me 'congratulations'. I'm so happy for him. I think our relationship is perfect."

Strasbourg currently have defender Sarr, goalkeeper Penders and midfielder Kendry Paez on loan from Chelsea, with Emegha set to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer from the Ligue 1 club.