It is fair to suggest that Saul Niguez's season-long loan at Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid did not go to plan. Only making 26 appearances, 10 of those in the Premier League and 12 starts in total, the 27-year-old failed to leave much of a dent in Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Almost 12 months ago when the initial loan was made, Chelsea had a £35m option to buy the following summer should they wish to do so. However, it quickly became clear that option would be passed up, even before Todd Boehly took over the club in June.
Saul has opened up on his time in west London, speaking to Atletico's official website before he returns to pre-season with Diego Simeone.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel makes Armando Broja pre-season selection decision as Chelsea set 'deadline'
"Despite the fact that I didn't have the desired minutes, I think it was a good experience for me to go out at a time when I wasn't feeling well mentally," he said when asked how he felt his experience was in the Premier League.
"I have been able to reset, learn from a new culture, lead a new life, meet a new club, fans. I can only be grateful to all the people at Chelsea for their trust and to my teammates for making the year very bearable and helping me, and to Atleti for having made it easier.
"I think that this season has helped me to improve in many aspects, I have learned a lot and that will come in handy for this new season."
The loanee faced an extremely difficult welcome to English football as he was subbed off within 45 minutes of his debut against Aston Villa following his deadline day switch. The Spanish international experienced the same fate three months later when he was replaced at the interval away at Watford.
Saul did get to play the entirety of the reverse fixture back in May as Chelsea closed out a long season with a 2-1 victory over The Hornets.
The Spaniard sent an appreciative message to supporters on social media at the beginning of June to confirm his departure, saying: "I’m writing to take my leave of you. I would like to tell you how I felt during this adventure. Things didn’t start well at all. After a long time at home, changing everything wasn’t easy.
"Thank you for making this club much bigger. Thanks to all the fans for supporting me through thick and thin. I will be forever grateful. Thanks to all the staff for making it possible for me to win titles with the blue shirt."
READ NEXT:
Eden Hazard hands warning to Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel amid £45m transfer agreement
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
N'Golo Kante absence from Chelsea pre-season squad explained as star midfielder also misses out
Frenkie de Jong to Chelsea latest: Transfer fee agreed, Man United bid, player preference
