It’s been a window of mixed emotions for Chelsea fans. Overall, the picture is positive – we’ve signed four of the most promising, up-and-coming players in the world: French centre back Kurt Zouma, Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic and Berkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore. These are all young and gifted players, offering hope of future success.
The downside of the January transfer window is that we’ve said goodbye to two of our most outstanding ambassadors – Michael Essien and Juan Mata. Chelsea is home to some of the best people in football but it’s something it rarely receives credit for. By its very nature, the press focuses on the ‘bad boys’ at the club in order to fit an image of the unlikeable, oil-rich, overpaid prima donnas. To achieve this they stoke the flames around the celebrity lifestyles of John Terry and Ashley Cole. It’s understandable. But as a result the understated, humble, players fail to receive the credit they deserve. Mata is the consummate professional – a gentleman who lets his feet do the talking on the pitch, and speaks eloquently off it. Much like Gianfranco Zola. Mata’s farewell letter to the fans is testament to his class.
Essien also shares a trait with the legendary Zola. He never stops smiling. Hacked to the floor, still smiling. Substituted, still smiling. Every day in training, smiling. His insistence on seeing the bright side of life is truly admirable. He is also a great countryman, representing Ghana with integrity and pride. In this respect he is similar to another great personality in the club’s recent history: Didier Drogba.
These are the players that should define Chelsea’s identity. Wonderful ambassadors who love the blue shirt, play for the fans, play the game with enjoyment and humility, and do it all with a smile.
It’s not entirely the media’s actions that have failed to bring the respect and recognition these players deserve – it’s neither the purpose nor the interest of the press to improve Chelsea’s image. It’s the club that must do more to celebrate these figureheads and ensure their ethos is used as the cornerstone of its identity. Chelsea invests in these players, plays a huge part in their education, but rarely puts them forward for interview.
There is something special about Chelsea, its fans, its history. Great names like Mata, Essien, Zola, Vialli, Lampard, Osgood, Drogba and Cech will always hold a special place in their hearts for Chelsea. In kind, they are the heart of Chelsea.
If Zouma, Matic, Traore, or any new young player signing signing for Chelsea, wants to know what the club is really about, they should look up to these examples. Ignore the trappings of celebrity and glamour. Look at Essien and Mata – that is how you make your mark at Chelsea.
Rob Gibson 