Marc Cucurella reacts to Pedro Neto’s emotional Chelsea message – ‘No words’
Pedro Neto sent an emotional message after Chelsea upset PSG to become FIFA Club World Cup champions.
Chelsea were firmly against the odds to come away with victory as they came up against a PSG team who had dispatched Atletico Madrid, Inter Miami and Real Madrid by 4-0 scorelines at the tournament.
PSG also won their most recent decider in a 5-0 hammering of Inter in May’s Champions League final, but Chelsea spun the pre-match narrative on its head with one of their strongest displays in recent years.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat PSG at their own game to rack up a 2-0 lead inside half an hour with two well-taken Cole Palmer finishes, and new arrival Joao Pedro sealed the result with their third before half-time.
Joao Neves’ late red card and a fracas between both sets of players after the final whistle threatened to overshadow Chelsea’s result, but Maresca’s side lifted the trophy in arguably the highpoint of his tenure.
Neto dedicates Chelsea success to Diogo Jota in new tribute
Palmer’s brace in the decider and performances throughout the Club World Cup may have earned him the player of the tournament award, but he’s joined by Neto and Pedro as Chelsea’s top scoring players.
Unlike Pedro and Palmer, Neto didn’t find the net in the decider but did provide crucial goals for Chelsea against LAFC and Benfica early in the tournament, and reflected on their success in a post on Instagram.
Neto’s post (14 July) included a heartfelt tribute to his international team-mate Diogo Jota after he died in a fatal car accident on 3 July, and was written in Portuguese alongside his message for Chelsea fans.
The 25-year-old’s message said: “WORLD CHAMPIONS – I have no words to discribe this feeling. What a support, thank you very much Blues. This one’s for you, partner D”.
Several Chelsea players liked Neto’s post, and Marc Cucurella added: “You deserve it my friend”.
Chelsea to use Club World Cup as springboard for more success
Football Insider Verdict
The Club World Cup‘s critics will be firmly in the rear-view mirror for Chelsea as they head back across the Atlantic with another piece of silverware, as well as the lucrative financial rewards of their success.
Chelsea pocketed over £80million alone from reaching the decider itself after Pedro’s brace to beat Fluminense in the last four following his arrival from Brighton, with another massive windfall on the way.
Both Pedro and Jamie Gittens were signed by Chelsea mid-tournament in a clear showcase of their financial might, and victory over PSG in the final will surely proceed even more additions this summer.