Chelsea’s longest-serving player Matej Delac wants to leave – after work permit problems mean he has NEVER played since joining in 2010
Ex-Croatia Under-21 keeper has never even been registered as a Premier League player but says the Blues always believed in him
CHELSEA'S longest-serving player wants to leave - after failing to make a single competitive appearance since joining in 2010.
Bosnia-born keeper Matej Delac has had TEN loan spells away and never been registered for Premier League action - due to work permit problems.
But the 25-year-old has no regrets and believes the Blues always backed his quality, report Sportsport.
The former Croatia Under-21 star said: "Yes, soon will come a time I'll have to leave Chelsea.
"Many people ask me do I regret coming to Chelsea so young, and not joining some smaller club, but I feel no regret.
"Your career can always be better, but I am 25 and have been through so much, met many coaches, players, gained experience.
"The problem was not my quality, Chelsea believed in me, extended my contract several times, but the problem was always work permit."
Delac arrived from Croatian club Inter Zaprešićon on a five-year contract.
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But since then he has been loaned out at least once ever season.
His most successful temporary stints were his last two - playing 26 games for Bosnians Sarajevo and then 28 last term for Belgian team Royal Excel Mouscron
Delac insists he only has happy memories of Stamford Bridge.
And he is sure manager Antonio Conte will maintain the reigning champions' revival after a slow start to the season.
He said: "Chelsea had a plan for my career, but you can not plan some things.
"As I arrived, aged 18, it seemed like some movie, I can't describe that feeling.
"I will remember the greatness of Chelsea FC, they raised me and taught me human and football manners.
"And of course my first game, in Ljubljana vs Olimpija, when I played with Fabregas, Costa."
Delac added: "Conte is great worker, professional, even when Chelsea is not doing well.
"I know it is just a phase and Conte will find a way out."
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