News Focus
- Chiesa confirms Liverpool blocked his January transfer move to Juventus
- England star Curtis Jones enquires about Italian lifestyle amid Inter Milan interest
- Italian winger clarifies World Cup play-off absence was strictly due to medical issues
- Future at Anfield uncertain ahead of talks with new head coach Andoni Iraola
Federico Chiesa has spoken openly about his difficult period at Liverpool. The Italian winger says the club prevented him from leaving during the January window. He also suggests that team-mate Curtis Jones could be close to joining Inter Milan.
In a frank interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the 27-year-old explained that a lack of playing time caused his unhappiness. “The problem was simply minutes on the pitch,” he stated. “Since the start of 2026, I have played very little.”
Chiesa revealed that manager Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy refused his request to move. They told him the squad needed bodies during an injury crisis. “I understood the situation and stayed with a smile,” he said. “We won the Premier League last year, so you always respect this club. But it was tough.”
The former Juventus star confirmed that his old club tried to re-sign him last winter. However, Liverpool rejected their approach and the deal collapsed.
Chiesa also defended himself against criticism for missing Italy’s World Cup play-off matches. National team coach Gennaro Gattuso left him out of the squad. “Rino is a fantastic man and he explained everything,” Chiesa said. “I arrived at the training camp with physical problems. The medical staff sent me home after checks. It hurt to watch Italy fail to qualify, but the decision was purely for health reasons.”
Looking ahead, Chiesa admits he may need to quit England to find regular football. “If I cannot get continuity in the Premier League, I must look elsewhere,” he warned. He will travel to the United States for pre-season training before holding discussions with new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola.
The conversation turned to Como, where Chiesa praised their manager. “Cesc Fabregas is a top coach,” he said. “Nobody expected Como to achieve what they have done this season.”
The biggest revelation concerned Curtis Jones. When asked about Liverpool players attracting interest from Serie A, Chiesa shared private details. “Jones asked me how life is in Italy,” he revealed. “I told him the lifestyle is excellent and the weather beats Liverpool. He is a very technical player. Inter are correct to consider him.”
Regarding goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Chiesa believes the Brazilian will remain at Anfield. “From what I hear, Alisson stays in England,” he added. “He is among the top five keepers in the world.”