Levil Colwill will be staying at Chelsea until at least 2029 (Photo: Chelsea FC)
Levi Colwill insists extending his stay with Chelsea was ‘always an easy decision’ as the club announced his new six-year contract.
Early this week, it was reported that Colwill and Chelsea had reached an agreement over a contract extension following months of speculation surrounding his future.
The defender spent last season on loan at Brighton and they were determined to bring him back to the Amex, while Liverpool were also interested in his services.
However, despite the Seagulls being willing to pay a club-record £40million, Mauricio Pochettino has always viewed Colwill as part of his plans and was determined to ensure that his long-term future was at Stamford Bridge.
To that end, the club officially announced on Wednesday that the 20-year-old has signed a new deal that will keep him at west London until 2029, with the option to extend for another season.
The academy graduate is yet to make his senior Chelsea debut and Pochettino says he has given the player no reassurances over game time, with another centre-back in the form of Axel Disasi set to join the Blues imminently.
But Colwill, who starred for England as they won the U21 Euros earlier this summer, says his manager has given him assurances and this ‘trust’ is what convinced him to pen such a long contract.
‘It’s always been an easy decision,’ he told ChelseaFC.com.
‘As I’ve grown up, all I’ve known is Chelsea. I’ve spoken with the manager and he’s given me reassurance, that trust I needed.
‘He’s spoken with me not just as a player but a person. It’s made a big difference.
Axel Disasi is joining Monaco from Chelsea for £38m (Photo: Getty)
‘He pushes us hard, makes sure we do run, but also makes sure we do everything correctly and professional. That is the standards we need at Chelsea, as one of the biggest clubs in the world.’
Colwill is likely to make his Chelsea debut in their first game of the new season against Liverpool, with Benoit Badiashile, the other left-sided centre-back at the club, currently out with injury.
While Disasi could fill that spot, the Monaco man is likely to play on the right-side, competing with Thiago Silva and providing cover for the injured Wesley Fofana.
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‘Levi is an outstanding player who has risen to every challenge in his career so far. We are thrilled he will remain at Chelsea for years to come,’ co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added.
‘His journey from academy to first team is testament to his talent, dedication, and determination. Everyone at the club is now looking forward to watching him thrive at Stamford Bridge in the seasons ahead.’
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‘It’s always been an easy decision.’