Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has admitted he has considered leaving the club due to a lack of game time.

The Danish international has made just two appearances in the Premier League this season and had been linked with the likes of Juventus, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund during the January transfer window.

The Blues have, however, told Christensen that they want to keep him, and the centre-back subsequently decided to stay at Stamford Bridge:

“Of course, there were a lot of considerations, but as they made it clear to me that they wanted me to stay, it was really not that hard for me to accept it.”

“I’ve been to the club for many years and I still love being there. It is solely because of the lack of playing time that I considered leaving. But I am looking forward and am very clear with the situation.”

The 22-year-old has acknowledged that he is behind Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz in the pecking order under Maurizio Sarri currently, but he said he’s waiting to grasp his chance when he gets it:

“It is hard. Right now there are two clear first choice defenders, and then there is me who comes right after. I just have to show I am ready and grab the chance when I get it.”

Considering the six goals Chelsea conceded against Manchester City and the four shipped against Bournemouth, Christensen should be getting closer to winning his place in the side for league games.

He will likely start tonight’s game against Manchester United in the FA Cup, and he will be hoping to do enough to re-establish himself as a first-team regular.