Edouard Mendy snubs Chelsea’s new ownership as he thanks Roman Abramovich in his farewell message

Edouard Mendy appeared to snub Chelsea’s new ownership in his farewell message as the Senegal international said goodbye to Blues’ fans after three years at Stamford Bridge. 

The goalkeeper completed a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli on Wednesday evening, becoming the third Chelsea player – after N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly – to book a transfer to the Middle East. 

The 31-year-old joined the club in 2020 from Ligue 1 side Rennes, during the final years of Roman Abramovich’s 19-year ownership of the west London side, and Mendy was keen to share his gratitude with the hierarchy that brought him to Chelsea. 

But there were no such personal messages for current co-controlling owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, or Jose Feliciano, who bought the club in May 2022, nor sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. 

Sharing the message on Instagram, along with a carousel of images fronted by his 2021 Champions League triumph, Mendy wrote: 

Edouard Menday appeared to snub Chelsea’s new ownership as he said goodbye to Chelsea

Co-controlling owner Todd Boehly was not mentioned by name, but under the banner of ‘new owners’ in the Instagram post

‘Chelsea,’ Mendy began. 

‘As I prepare to begin a new chapter in my career, it’s hard to say goodbye. It has been an incredible three years wearing the Chelsea jersey, during which we achieved great success, including winning the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

‘I want to sincerely thank Roman, Marina (Granovskaia), Petr (Cech), Christophe  (Lollichon, a former Chelsea goalkeeping coach), and the entire staff who made it possible for me to represent this prestigious club. I am thankful to my coaches and all the staffs for the invaluable lessons and growth I experienced.

‘A special thanks goes to all my teammates for the unforgettable journey we shared together. I also want to extend my deep gratitude to all the fans for their unbelievable support throughout my time at Chelsea.

‘Although it’s time for me to turn a new page. I sincerely wish the club continued success with the new owners and numerous titles in the years to come.

‘Edou.’

Granovskaia was Abramovich’s trusted director of Chelsea, promoted to the top job in west London after years spent working for the oligarch in different business capacities, and left the club in the wake of the takeover, as did Cech, who had served as sporting director for three years. 

The Instagram post was accompanied by images commemorating his time with the Blues

Chelsea’s former owner Roman Abramovich (left), and Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech were all mentioned by name in Mendy’s farewell missive

Mendy’s final season at Stamford Bridge was a difficult one, pockmarked with injury and struggles to win the No 1 jersey from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who Mendy had previous usurped upon his arrival three years earlier. 

The goalkeeper, who won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup under Thomas Tuchel as well as the Champions League, is not the only outgoing Chelsea star whose farewell message drew attention on Wednesday evening. 

Kai Havertz – who completed a £65million move across London to Premier League rivals Arsenal – vented his frustration on social media that his announcement in north London had been leaked before he could say goodbye to Chelsea fans. 

The German said he was ‘upset’ fans had to learn about the transfer through a leaked video, and insisted it wasn’t how he would have done it but thanked them for their support in an effusive message.