Matt Miazga doesn’t regret Chelsea journey but really wants to stay at Anderlecht

After a season and a half at Reading, Chelsea defender Matt Miazga chose to go back to the continent for his next loan assignment, joining famous Belgian outfit RSC Anderlecht. And while the team have continued their relative struggles of the past couple years — currently sitting 4th after finishing a highly uncharacteristic 6th and 8th in the last two seasons — it has been a fruitful stint for the 25-year old so far, missing only two league matches since his arrival at the Vincent Kompany-managed club in early October.

It’s been so good in fact that he would love to stay beyond just this season, all parties willing of course. (As far as we know, there is no buy-option built into his season-long loan.)

“In any case, I am open to [staying at Anderlecht]. I play here every week, the competition suits me, the atmosphere is good and life is pleasant. It helps that everyone speaks English.”

“So, I would definitely like to stay, but it also depends on what Anderlecht and Chelsea desire.”

Should this eventually prove to be the official end of Miazga’s Chelsea career, he will look back on it fondly enough. Unlike many others stuck in perpetual Loan Army limbo, he did in fact get to play a couple times for Chelsea, while gaining valuable experience throughout his loan journey that should set him up well for the rest of his career, on either side of the Atlantic.

“I can only speak for myself: I would do it again. I was barely twenty when I went to Chelsea. Who misses such an opportunity? I had a lot of confidence, thought I could make it there, but because of circumstances that did not work.

“Nevertheless, the step was valuable: it shaped me. It is my path, that makes it worthwhile.”

-Matt Miazga; source: HLN via Sport Witness

Wise words, indeed.