'Till next time' - Talented winger Mendel-Idowu sends farewell message to Chelsea 

Talented Flying Eagles-eligible winger Tudor Mendel-Idowu has sent a farewell message to Chelsea after joining Belgian powerhouse Anderlecht on a three-year deal with option for an extra season.

The England youth international of Nigerian descent is leaving Chelsea after officially joining them at U9 level. 

Mendel-Idowu decided not to extend his contract with the Blues and has now chosen to take on a new challenge at Anderlecht.

The Anglo-Nigerian youngster already had a verbal agreement to join Barcelona's B team but the proposed move was hijacked by Belgium's most successful team in history.

He impressed in his final season at Chelsea with nine goal involvements in twelve outings in the U18 Premier League and made his debuts in the Papa Johns Trophy and UEFA Youth League. 

In a statement on Instagram, accompanied by a video of his best moments as a Chelsea player, Mendel-Idowu said his goodbyes to the Chelsea fans and thanked the club for allowing him to continue his education at Eton during his time at Stamford Bridge.

"I must first say a massive thank you to the Chelsea fans for all their support all these years. I’ve felt your passion from the sidelines, and received many kind words directly or indirectly across various media," Mendel-Idowu wrote. 

"I still remember my first training session as an under-8, and thank every coach who has contributed to my journey.

"I pass on my appreciation to the academy staff who supported me and allowed me to continue my education at Eton while playing for Chelsea. It was unprecedented, and I’m profoundly grateful for the support I received.

"I’ve had the opportunity to grow, not only as a player, but also as a man. Till next time."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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