‘End the season with a trophy’ – Carney Chukwuemeka eyeing Champions League glory at Chelsea

Carney Chukwuemeka has outlined his ambitions for the remainder of Chelsea’s season, admitting that the club are seeking a third Champions League trophy.

The 19-year-old joined the Blues in the summer in a £20 million deal from Aston Villa and has been involved with the first team squad.

Making eight Premier League appearances since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Chukwuemeka has been a bright spark for Graham Potter’s side, who have struggled this season.

With a contract running until 2028, Chukwuemeka is no doubt part of the future of Chelsea’s midfield and has admitted that his confidence is at an all time high after being trusted to play against Manchester City in recent weeks.

He told Chelsea’s website: “Coming on at that point in the game against City was a vote of confidence. It was good to get minutes against them.

“I was able to compare myself right now to them as well, to learn off them, and to challenge myself playing against them. I will only improve from it.

“Coming on against any team in the Premier League that early can be quite demanding, but my performance definitely gave me confidence, and gave me something to build on for my start as well.”

The midfielder continued to highlight the trust he receives from Potter, who has handed him all of his appearances this season despite Thomas Tuchel being in charge when the 19-year-old arrived.

“The recent game time I have been getting and the trust the gaffer has shown me has helped me believe I belong here,” he continued.

“It was quite difficult at the beginning. Villa was all I knew; I made my debut there. I have a lot to thank them for.”

Chukwuemeka continued to discuss his emotons after joining Chelsea, admitting that it was a dream to play for the club he grew up supporting.

“I just had to get my head around that I would be playing for the club I support. The transition was tough, but good at the same time,” he said.

Looking to the future, Chukwuemeka is keen to lift silverware with Chelsea and appears to be targeting a third Champions League triumph in the club’s history after winning the trophy in 2012 and 2021.

He said: “I’m definitely after some goals! I have been working hard on that in training.

“And I just want to keep racking up some more appearances and getting more experience. Hopefully we can end the season with a trophy, and keep building together as a team and winning some more games.”

The Blues are out of the FA Cup and League Cup and sit 10th in the Premier League table, meaning that the only trophy they can realistically win this season is the European Cup.

Potter’s side face Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 of the tournament and will be keen to add more silverware to their cabinet this season, with the Champions League the main focus going forward.