In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Malo Gusto, Chelsea’s talented right back, opened up about his decision to join the English club despite the tough competition, his emotions after leaving Lyon, and the reactions of fans. Gusto, a French U21 international, made the move to Chelsea in January 2023 for a combined package worth €40 million. However, he spent the previous six months on loan at Lyon, and many were surprised by his choice, considering the presence of Reece James and his relative inexperience, despite his 61 appearances for OL.
When asked about his decision to join Chelsea, Gusto explained, “There’s nothing that told me: no, it’s not possible. There was a voice that said to me: you can, so why would you say no? Is there a great player in your place? Yes, but you can be a great player too. It’s a challenge. It’s a healthy battle.” Despite knowing that Reece James is an established right back and now club captain, Gusto has embraced the competition and maintains a strong relationship with the English international. He stated, “I’m not stupid or crazy. I knew before coming that Reece James is one of the best players in his position. We get on very well. He talks to me a lot. We are in a big club; there must be good players in each position. The reason I chose Chelsea is because I have a plan. I know what I’m doing.”
Adapting to the Premier League Challenge
The Premier League is renowned for its talent at right back, and with the addition of Gusto, the competition is even fiercer. Gusto shared his thoughts on adapting to the league and his ambition to become a top-tier full back. He explained, “I learned to love defending. A full-back is above all that. I’ve looked a lot at how Daniel Alves, Kyle Walker, and Trent Alexander-Arnold approach the position. However, I don’t want to imitate them. My identity is to add intensity, to chain offensive and therefore defensive races, to be complete. Being a full-back is that for me.”
Departures from Lyon Academy and Aspirations for Les Bleus
Lyon has witnessed several of its academy graduates, including Gusto, leave the club in recent transfer windows, causing dismay among fans. When asked about the fans’ reactions to academy players departing, the Chelsea defender expressed his feelings, saying, “Unfair, I don’t know. All I want to say is that it hurts. We are young people, we grew up in Lyon, and we have always loved the club despite what people may believe. When I, Castello, and Bradley leave, it responds to a plan, an ambition. It’s nothing against OL at all.”
As an established starter for Les Espoirs (France’s U21 team), Gusto has set his sights on representing Les Bleus in the future. When asked about his chances of making Didier Deschamps’ squad for EURO 2024, he said, “Is the door open? I don’t know. But if the question is whether I think I could be in this position one day, the answer is yes. I work for this. I’m not obsessed. But I would be filled with an immense pride to be there.” Gusto’s journey at Chelsea and his ambitions for the national team reflect his determination to achieve greatness in the world of football.
