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One of Chelsea’s forgotten stars has risked the wrath of Xabi Alonso with an intriguing comment to a fan during the international break after being spotted outside the nightclub.
Chelsea spent more than €400 million on 11 players during the summer, one of whom was Emmanuel Emegha, who had agreed to join the Blues from affiliate club Strasbourg last year.
However, Emegha spent a large portion of last season injured and the striker has yet to make his debut for his new club after suffering another setback during pre-season.
Alonso is understood to have given Emegha a few days off during the international break, which led to the 23-year-old visiting Paris and being recorded during a night out.
A video on social media showed Emegha being spoken to by onlookers who asked what he was doing, to which he said: “I’m going home. I had two days off so I’m enjoying them.”
When asked if he was a football player, Emegha replied “I’m not a football player. I’m an artist”, likely to avoid being recognised, particularly with the Dutchman still fighting for his long-term future at Chelsea.
« Je suis pas un footballeur, je suis un artiste. » 😌
Emanuel Emegha a été vu à la sortie de la boîte de nuit “Le Cova” à Paris durant cette trêve internationale. 🕺🏿🇳🇱
« J’ai deux jours off, je profite ! » https://t.co/lLLLiC42Cu
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) October 6, 2026
Emegha desperate to get career back on track after nightmare year following Chelsea signing
Emegha had impressed for Strasbourg with 14 goals in 25 Ligue 1 matches during the 2024-25 season, prompting Chelsea to announce a deal in September 2025 to sign him for €25m.
However, Emegha’s decision to announce his departure early into last season prompted fury from Strasbourg fans who questioned his commitment, particularly with the youngster being the club’s captain.
Emegha eventually ended up making just 10 league appearances during the campaign, scoring four times, and he moved to Chelsea in the summer, although the West London outfit were already considering his departure soon after his arrival.
Having signed Danny Welbeck as a backup to Joao Pedro up front, offers were considered for Emegha but the Netherlands international stayed, with Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu being sold instead.
With Emegha signing a deal until 2033, Chelsea are still hoping their new signing can find form and fitness to prove his worth to Alonso as he hopes to finally kick-start his career at the club after the turbulent international break.
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