I was very happy - Nicolas Jackson sends message to Chelsea after joining to Bayern

Nicolas Jackson has spoken for the first time since sealing his loan move from Chelsea to Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day.

The Senegalese striker joined the German champions on an initial season-long deal, with an obligation to buy next summer for £56 million (€64.5m/$76m).

Jackson’s departure came after he slipped down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

His transfer was nearly derailed after Liam Delap picked up a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham, forcing the Blues to reconsider. The deal was eventually revived after Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu from Sunderland, paving the way for Jackson to complete his switch.

Speaking to Tuttosport, the 24-year-old admitted he was thrilled to join Bayern but also expressed sadness at leaving Chelsea.

“There were very strong emotions, but not for the reasons you might think. I was simply very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world, to discover another league and other great players,” Jackson said.

He continued, “At the same time, I was a little sad to leave Chelsea, my teammates, and the fans. I experienced so many strong emotions there: we won the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Now I’m 100 per cent focused on my new project and I can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Arena.”

Jackson also made it clear that he bears no resentment toward Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca despite losing his place in the squad.

“Football is full of cycles. Sometimes things don’t go as they should, and that’s part of the game. I respect Maresca. I learned a lot from him. He has his own ideas and style. I just needed something different at this stage of my career. I have no regrets, just gratitude for my time at Chelsea,” he said.

The forward could make his Bayern debut on September 13 when the Bundesliga champions host Hamburger SV at the Allianz Arena.