Gary Cahill picks favourite Chelsea moment ahead of summer exit after Stamford Bridge farewell vs Watford

The former England centre-back will leave on a free transfer this summer 

Jack Rathborn
Monday 06 May 2019 14:55 BST
Comments
Maurizio Sarri after Chelsea's win over Watford

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Gary Cahill admits winning the Champions League in 2012 was his finest moment over seven years at Chelsea ahead of his exit this summer.

After spending the majority of the season out of Maurizio Sarri's squad, Cahill was given a Stamford Bridge send-off on Sunday in the Blues' 3-0 win over Watford.

It is likely to be his final appearance for the club, despite fixtures against Eintracht Frankfurt and Leicester to come this week and a potential Europa League final.

During his time at Chelsea he has won the Champions League, Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup, and he told the club's official website: "It was a great moment for me to get out there and say goodbye and just thank the supporters for the great career I have had here of mostly ups. It has been fantastic.

"The Champions League in Munich was an amazing night to be part of, to be in the team that enabled Chelsea to win it for the first time was amazing but a very close second for me was the first Premier League I won.

"I have watched this league since I was a kid and I know how hard it is to go out every single week and try to get three points, as you saw in this game in the first half against Watford, so to do that consistently throughout the period of a season and to win the trophy is one of the best feelings as well."

Former Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah was also handed a rare appearance by visitors Watford, making his first league start since December.

His manager Javi Gracia had been impressed with his performance during the first half and Chalobah told Watford's official website: "It's been a very difficult year for me, coming in and out, but I just tried to give everything I can.

Cahill applauds the Chelsea fans
Cahill applauds the Chelsea fans (EPA)

"I left it all out there and I blew up after about 50 minutes! It's always difficult not playing games and that match fitness and sharpness is something you always lack when you don't get that opportunity.

"But what can I do? The boys been flying this year and you've got to look at it that way and keep going."

PA Sport also contributed to this report

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in