Emerson Palmieri admitted that things are ‘not going as I wish’ at Chelsea and that he only feels ‘important’ when he’s part of the Italy national team setup.
The left-back has fallen further down the pecking order after the arrival of Ben Chilwell from Leicester this summer.
With Marcos Alonso already ahead of the Italian, his opportunities to play could be limited this season.
Indeed, the 26-year-old has made just one start this season in the Carabao Cup and hasn’t played a minute of Premier League football.
He was heavily linked with a return to Serie A this summer, with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte keen on taking him to Inter Milan, however, a move didn’t materialise.
And he admitted he’s finding life in west London hard at the moment.
‘When I arrive here [with the national team] I change my head,’ said Emerson. ‘I feel important and part of the group.
‘At Chelsea, things are not going as I wish in this part of the season. I just have to work.’
He remains a regular in Roberto Mancini’s Italy team and played the full 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Poland.
‘We are due to play three games in 10 days, when I knew I had to play I was happy but it came as no surprise.
‘When I play with this shirt I have to give my best.’
