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Chelsea star's dad slams 'money-hungry' owners and explains why he wants to leave

Ian Maatsen of Borussia Dortmund controls the ball
Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga -Credit:2024 DeFodi Images


Ian Maatsen's father, Edward, has hit out at Chelsea's owners, claiming that financial gain appears to take precedence over the club's interests.

The 22-year-old Dutchman, currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, is keen to extend his stay in Germany, according to his dad.

Edward Maatsen revealed that his son is flourishing under Edin Terzic at Dortmund, having scored in their Champions League quarter-final victory over Atletico Madrid. He also suggested that the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge has changed since the club's change of ownership.

"We are working on staying at the club," Edward told Voetbal International. "The clubs have to fight it out among themselves. Ian is developing well here and things are not going well at Chelsea since they changed ownership.

"A lot at that club also revolves around money, which sometimes seems more important than the club's interests. We have more options besides Chelsea and Dortmund, but Dortmund has proven to be a good restart. And look which guys come from there... [Jude] Bellingham, [Erling] Haaland."

Ian Maatsen himself recently told the Telegraph that "all options are open" regarding his future, after signing a two-year contract extension prior to his move to Dortmund.

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When quizzed on any regrets over his decision to stay at Chelsea in the season's first half, he admitted: "Yeah, it plays with your mind, but I still believed my chance would come by being patient, working hard.

"For some reason, it didn't work out and afterwards you have to find a solution and the deal happened between Dortmund and Chelsea. Also I need to thank Chelsea that I'm here and they gave me that opportunity.

"I think the belief from the [Dortmund] board, the coach, the technical directors, they're all on the same page. They all believe in me that I'm a talented player who can perform at the highest level and they gave me this opportunity."