He said, “I’ll be honest. We talked a bit over the summer. I told him he was one of the best midfielders in history and that he’s destined to become one of the best coaches too. I explained that it was time for him to return to Chelsea, and he joked about it, but I really think so.

Football clubs worldwide set a new winter transfer window record in terms of the number of transactions completed, according to a statement released by FIFA on Thursday, but the overall amount spent was down compared to last year’s high.

It partly reads: “Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart club. After careful consideration, the club has agreed to grant his release.

It further described the sanctions as a “travesty of justice,” alleging a lack of willingness by league organisers to engage clubs in a fair and transparent manner.

“We want to ask. I said to the club we have to ask definitely. I don’t understand the reason why he cannot play in the final of the League Cup in March when he has been here a long time.