Ian Maatsen opens up on Chelsea frustrations ahead of likely £35m summer exit

Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen on Tuesday night capped a remarkable turnaround in his season by firing Borussia Dortmund into the semi-finals of the Champions League, insisting his self-belief never wavered even as he sat on the fringes at Stamford Bridge.

After a hugely successful spell at Burnley last season, Maatsen returned to Chelsea in the summer with high hopes of a major Blues breakthrough this term.

However, the 22-year-old made just one Premier League start in the first half of the season and was forced to move on in January in search of more playing time.

On Tuesday night, the youngster’s first Champions League goal helped Dortmund to a 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, the German side coming from behind to win 5-4 on aggregate and set up a semi-final meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

Ian Maatsen made just one Premier League start in the first half of the season (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

“It was a surprise,” said the full-back, whose loan deal runs until the end of the season. “I always had the belief to play for Chelsea but unfortunately for some reasons it didn’t work out.

“Now I’m here, I’m very grateful for this opportunity and this moment. I can say I’m very proud of myself, kept believing in myself and came here to play my game at the highest level.”

Maatsen turned down a £31.5m move to Burnley last summer after Chelsea accepted the offer. The defender renewed his contract before joining Dortmund on loan, but the left-back is still likely to be sold and has a £35m release clause.

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