Nicolas Jackson hits out at Chelsea after scoring first goal for Bayern Munich
Nicolas Jackson opened his account for Bayern Munich in their recent Champions League victory and wasted no time in hitting out at Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson aimed a thinly-veiled dig at parent club Chelsea after scoring his first goal for Bayern Munich. The Senegalese forward was sent on loan to Vincent Kompany's side in the summer.
He competed in the Blues' Club World Cup campaign and even contributed an impressive assist in their first match against LAFC. His last match for the west Londoners was a half hour cameo from the bench in their 2-0 victory over Fluminese in the semi-finals of the competition. When he returned, Jackson was made to train away from the first team after Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made it clear he was not part of his plans. His route to Bayern Munich was borderline farcical, as he was allowed to go to Germany, only to be called back after Liam Delap suffered an injury in Chelsea's 2-0 home victory over Fulham.
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His move to the Bavarians was eventually allowed to go ahead with Chelsea recalling Marc Guiu from his loan move at Sunderland to fill the gap left behind by Delap. Jackson initially wanted to stay at Chelsea and compete for his place with Joao Pedro and the ex-Manchester City forward.
However, Maresca banished him away from the first team, which prompted Bayern to move in. After he scored in their 5-1 away victory over Cypriot side Pafos in the Champions League, Jackson took a swipe at his former club.
He said: "It wasn't easy but we played a very good game and worked hard. I'm very happy to score my first goal for the club. I'm still getting back to full fitness because I hadn't played and trained alone for two months. I'm working hard every day. I'm very happy here, everyone welcomed me very well. I feel at home. We'll see what the future brings."
Jackson's specific mention about the lack of training he had in his final months at Chelsea speaks volumes, as it demonstrates how frustrated he was at being omitted from the squad by Maresca. His move to Bayern is a loan at present but it could become a permanent move for £56million if certain clauses are met.
It's understood the move will be triggered if he starts 40 games in all competitions this season. This is a lofty target given the fact he is competing with England captain Harry Kane, who already has 17 goals and three assists in just nine appearances this season.
Bayern chief Uli Hoeness recently claimed it would be impossible for the conditions to be met before saying a move will "never happen". However, Jackson's agent Ali Barat believes the forward could convince Kompany's side he is worth taking up on the £56m option.
He said to RMC Sport: "They have a mandatory purchase option if he plays 40 games, but they also have a £56m option. So I think if Nico (Jackson) performs this season, given the current market prices for strikers, at £56m, in my opinion, they should buy him.
"It all depends on how Jackson fits in and performs. But normally, with the potential he has, I don't think they'll have a problem paying the fee at the end of the summer."
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