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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea's 6ft 9ins Conference League winner on Duolingo and preparing for Barcelona
Lucas Bergstrom spent six years learning his trade with Chelsea and has now set out to make his name at RCD Mallorca and spoke to Mirror Football ahead of the start of the La Liga season In July, people head in their droves to Mallorca. Airports are rammed with holidaygoers in search of sun, sea and sand as millions fly out for relaxation. This year, among their number was Lucas Bergstrom, the Mediterranean heat almost an alien concept to a life lived in Finland and west London. While tourists took to the beaches sweating to top up the tans, Bergstrom arrived to brush off his own beads of perspiration having joined the pressure cooker heat of RCD Mallorca. "It's been something to adapt to for sure," the former Chelsea goalkeeper told Mirror Football. "The first few days I felt like I was almost dying outside. It was so warm. It was getting manageable and now this week again, it's been a little bit hotter, so it's close to 35 degrees. I'm slowly adapting and it's just drinking a lot of water and trying to survive basically." It was a different kind of island life growing up in Pargas, Finland and until recently Bergstrom had never even visited Mallorca. But at the end of the season, the 22-year-old's contract with Chelsea expired after six-and-a-half years spent at Stamford Bridge and Cobham. Bergstrom was a free agent and after being able to quickly put himself in the shop window during the under-21s Euros, Mallorca proved to be the standout candidate. "Among the options I had, it's the top division in Spain and it's a good club," he said. "I saw that they really, really wanted me here and I think it's a very good place for me to come to develop and it's a good step in my career to come here." Now, Bergstrom's life is lived on Duolingo and adjusting to a new environment as quickly as possible. Bergstrom has fast become endeared to a 'very, very relaxed place' and plans to explore the reaches of his new home as the tourist numbers filter out in the coming weeks. But first, the 6ft 9ins goalkeeper must implement what he learned at Chelsea to challenge his new team-mates Leo Roman and Pichu Cuelllar. Bergstrom learned a lot growing up with the Blues, and while he never made a senior competitive appearance, the Finnish shotstopper spent a lot of time around the first team and had mixed feelings around his exit. "It was time for me to go from there," he said. "Obviously I enjoyed my time at Chelsea. I was there six-and-a-half years but I didn't see a path to progress anymore because for the last three seasons or so I I went on loan, I came back. "There wasn't any way for me to progress and the only way would have been to go on another loan and gambled and see what happens. So I think it was the the right time for me to go. And I think also, the people I spoke with the club really agreed that it was time for me to move on." Bergstrom found some success in a first team environment when on loan at Peterborough United in 2022/23, but ultimately that sparked some of the goalkeeper's greatest frustration too. "You felt really good because you were playing twice a week, all of the time and then you come back to Chelsea and it's like, 'okay, yes you go with the first team'. "So there is some step forward but then you sort of stagnate there and and you feel like, 'well, I've done really well for six months, but it didn't bring me anything'. I think that's the thing that probably annoyed me the most. It felt like I'd done really well, but didn't help me to progress in any way." Nevertheless, Bergstrom's time at the club was able to end on a high as he received a medal as part of Chelsea's Conference League success. The young goalkeeper was a regular in the Blues travelling squads and was able to learn from his team-mates - something he'd attempted to do from the outset of his time with the Premier League side. "The first year I was there it was Edou and Kepa who was there. Two different goalkeepers, two different characters, good people. I learnt a lot from them. For example, like Edou Mendy his mental stability after mistakes was something I've never seen before. It's like nothing happened. It doesn't matter because it's gone. Then also like during the last season with Rob [Sanchez] and Filip [Jorgensen] and [Marcus Bettinelli], I saw a lot of like from Filip playing with his feet and watching Rob Sanchez and the saves he makes and his positioning in terms of defending the space. I tried to learn from everyone." But Bergstrom is clearly more excited about the future and can't hide his smile at the prospect of the season starting. The determined figure 'isn't too fond' of big end of season targets and prefers to focus on giving everything to the next game. "Whenever my opportunity comes, I'm going to be ready," he says. And as far as first games go, few will be as tough as Barcelona visiting the Son Moix. And the pace does not let-up for Los Piratas. "The first five games we play Barcelona, Real and Atletico," Bergstrom remarks. "So it's going to be a good test for us and it's going to be important we start the season very well, because there's some big games. For me it's just one game at this time and then you see what comes from focus on that. The end of the season, it will tell us how good we are." And taking on 'probably the best team in the league' has whet Bergstrom's appetite to see Son Moix in action. "I think it's going to be a great atmosphere for the first game. It's a very important one." While long term targets on not usually on Bergstrom's agenda, it is impossible to avoid the potential of a World Cup call-up. The goalkeeper has previously been capped for Finland, and the nation currently lead their qualifying group for the United States. But with the country having never made the trip to the finals before, Bergstrom is quick to point out it is a moment bigger than him. "I want to be with the national team and if I get the call up, when I'm there it's going to be the biggest focus because It's very important for for the team and it will be very great to qualify for it. "It means a lot to the players but also to the Finnish nation because you can see how well the fans reacted for example, when we qualified for the under-21 Euros. And even when we played there we had 2000 fans turn up to a small town in Slovakia. So it's very important and obviously it's the only aim to try to qualify for the World Cup." 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Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea confirm retained list with FOUR stars released including member of victorious Conference League final squad
Three goalkeepers are among those leaving Stamford Bridge OUT THE BLUE OUT THE BLUE Chelsea confirm retained list with FOUR stars released including member of victorious Conference League final squad Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHELSEA have announced four players will leave the club when their contracts expire later this month. The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League table and won the Uefa Conference League last season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Chelsea have announced their retained list following the 2024/25 campaign Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Lucas Bergstrom (right) is among four players being released Credit: PA Boss Enzo Maresca is set to get the chequebook out this summer. And four up-and-coming prospects have not made the cut at Stamford Bridge. Promising 22-year-old keeper Lucas Bergstrom has left the club after six seasons. Bergstrom was on the bench for the Blues as they beat Real Betis in last month's Conference League final. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FRANK DISCUSSION Tottenham AGREE deal to make Thomas Frank new manager after Ange axe But the 6ft9 Finn leaves without making a senior appearance for Chelsea. Eddie Beach, 21, is also among those released. The stopper spent last season on loan at Crawley Town and is a Welsh under-21 international. Fellow goalkeeper Luke Campbell has also been let go, despite having been at the club since the age of 9. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK And left-back Dylan Williams has left to join Burton Albion following a successful loan last term. A statement from the club read: "Chelsea thanks all four departing players for their contribution during their time with the Blues. Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd return "We wish them well for the next chapter in their career." Chelsea have reportedly put up to FOURTEEN of their stars up for sale this summer. Noni Madueke and Joao Felix are among those Maresca wishes to move on, per The Guardian. Chelsea began the week with a flourish, announcing the capture of Mamadou Sarr from sister club Strasbourg. 3 The French defender, 19, has penned an eight-year contract with the Blues. Sarr impressed in Ligue 1 last term, playing 27 times as Liam Rosenior's side finished seventh. The teenager played alongside fellow Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic. He has signed in time to be part of Chelsea's squad for the upcoming Club World Cup.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Chelsea confirm retained list with FOUR stars released including member of victorious Conference League final squad
CHELSEA have announced four players will leave the club when their contracts expire later this month. The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League table and won the Uefa Conference League last season. 3 3 Boss Enzo Maresca is set to get the chequebook out this summer. And four up-and-coming prospects have not made the cut at Stamford Bridge. Promising 22-year-old keeper Lucas Bergstrom has left the club after six seasons. Bergstrom was on the bench for the Blues as they beat Real Betis in last month's Conference League final. But the 6ft9 Finn leaves without making a senior appearance for Chelsea. Eddie Beach, 21, is also among those released. The stopper spent last season on loan at Crawley Town and is a Welsh under-21 international. Fellow goalkeeper Luke Campbell has also been let go, despite having been at the club since the age of 9. And left-back Dylan Williams has left to join Burton Albion following a successful loan last term. A statement from the club read: "Chelsea thanks all four departing players for their contribution during their time with the Blues. "We wish them well for the next chapter in their career." Chelsea have reportedly put up to FOURTEEN of their stars up for sale this summer. Noni Madueke and Joao Felix are among those Maresca wishes to move on, per T he Guardian. Chelsea began the week with a flourish, announcing the capture of Mamadou Sarr from sister club Strasbourg. The French defender, 19, has penned an eight-year contract with the Blues. Sarr impressed in Ligue 1 last term, playing 27 times as Liam Rosenior's side finished seventh. The teenager played alongside fellow Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic. He has signed in time to be part of Chelsea's squad for the upcoming Club World Cup.
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea confirm retained list with FOUR stars released including member of victorious Conference League final squad
CHELSEA have announced four players will leave the club when their contracts expire later this month. The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League table and 3 Chelsea have announced their retained list following the 2024/25 campaign Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Lucas Bergstrom (right) is among four players being released Credit: PA Boss And four up-and-coming prospects have not made the cut at Stamford Bridge. Promising 22-year-old keeper Bergstrom was on the bench for the Blues as they beat Real Betis in last month's Conference League final. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL But the 6ft9 Finn leaves without making a senior appearance for Eddie Beach, 21, is also among those released. The stopper spent last season on loan at Crawley Town and is a Welsh under-21 international. Fellow goalkeeper Luke Campbell has also been let go, despite having been at the club since the age of 9. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK And left-back Dylan Williams has left to join Burton Albion following a successful loan last term. A statement from the club read: "Chelsea thanks all four departing players for their contribution during their time with the Blues. Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd return "We wish them well for the next chapter in their career." Chelsea have Noni Madueke and Joao Felix are among those Maresca wishes to move on, per Chelsea began the week with a flourish, 3 The French defender, 19, has penned an eight-year contract with the Blues. Sarr impressed in Ligue 1 last term, playing 27 times as Liam Rosenior's side finished seventh. The teenager played alongside fellow Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic. He has signed in time to be part of Chelsea's squad for the upcoming Club World Cup.
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Every Premier League star out of contract this summer including 16 former England stars and Trent Alexander-Arnold
THE Premier League season concludes this weekend - and for a host of players, the upcoming summer is filled with uncertainty. More than 60 players are Advertisement 9 Trent Alexander-Arnold and 15 other England stars are set to become free agents this summer Credit: PA Some high-profile stars - including But others face a nervy wait to see if they will receive a new deal before their contracts expire. SunSport has taken a deep dive into every upcoming free agent, starting with the Gunners - with one team set to lose ELEVEN players. Arsenal Mikel Arteta has promised a Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL The Gunners look Jorginho appears ready to BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Most read in Football Aston Villa After six seasons, Kortney Hause looks set to leave after being dogged in recent years by knee injuries. Advertisement Veteran stopper Robin Olsen has been on the books at Villa Park since 2022. Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners star But he will be looking for the 12th club of his career from June. Kortney Hause Robin Olsen Bournemouth It's been a superb season on the South Coast, with the Cherries spending most of it battling for Europe. The vast majority of the squad are contracted for next year. Advertisement But Chris Mepham - currently on loan at Sunderland - is the only player out of contract and will leave after six years with the club. Brentford Two fan favourites appear ready to move on from Ben Mee has played a bit-part role this season, while Josh Dasilva has been with the Bees since joining in the Championship seven years ago. Advertisement The Bees are bracing for offers on their talented strikeforce, with Bryan Mbeumo reportedly being eyed by Manchester United. Josh Dasilva Ben Mee 9 Ben Mee has racked up more than 300 Prem appearances in his career Credit: Getty Brighton & Hove Albion The ageless James Milner has yet to agree new terms on the South Coast following an injury-hit season. Now 39, reports suggest Advertisement The former Chelsea wing-back was James Milner Chelsea Todd Boehley recently opened up on Chelsea's With stars such as Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavis signed up to multi-year deals Advertisement Finnish keeper Lucas Bergstrom has never played a game for the Blues since signing in 2022 and looks set to be out the door come June. Lucas Bergstrom 9 Lucas Bergstrom will leave Chelsea this summer Credit: Getty Crystal Palace The Two veteran defenders are due to depart this summer, with Nathaniel Clyne and Advertisement Ward was named club captain in 2023/24 and has racked up a record number of Prem appearances for the club. Joel Ward Remi Matthews Everton It's a summer of change on Merseyside as David Moyes is also Stars including Advertisement While veterans Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young leave following years of service. Michael Keane Joao Virginia Seamus Coleman Asmir Begovic Mason Holgate 9 Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been with the Toffees since 2016 Credit: Getty Fulham Tom Cairney has been with the Cottagers since 2015 and is already Ex-Chelsea winger Willian returned to Fulham following a spell in Greece but now 36, he lost the turn of pace which made him such a threat. Advertisement Carlos Vinicius was tipped for big things after arriving in West London in 2022, but has netted just 8 times in 52 games. Kenny Tete Tom Cairney Willian Ipswich Town The Tractor Boys are heading back to the Championship in a strong state. Ipswich put up an impressive fight in a bid to stay in the league and invested heavily last summer, with the club expected to make a Former Man Utd defender Axel Tuanzebe is among those set to leave Portman Road in June. Advertisement Cameron Burgess Massimo Luongo Marcus Harness Elkan Baggott 9 Axel Tuanzebe is a former Manchester United youth star Credit: Getty Leicester City Jamie Vardy signed off in some style following a remarkable 13-year stint with the Foxes. The ex-England striker Vardy looks set to continue playing next season and is sure to be inundated with offers. Advertisement While Welsh keeper Danny Ward is still only 31 and deserves to be a regular starter in his peak years. Jamie Vardy Danny Ward Daniel Iversen Liverpool Safe to say that The England full-back looks destined for a switch to He was met with a Advertisement Harvey Davies 9 Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid when his contract expires in June Credit: PA Manchester City It's been a final season to forget for Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has won 14 major trophies with City but was powerless to prevent a silverware drought this term. Veteran keeper Scott Carson - who last played for England in 2011 - will join him in exiting the Etihad. Advertisement Kevin De Bruyne Manchester United Ruben Amorim has promised a And four veterans have not been offered new deals as the Portuguese manager looks to change the culture in the North West. Christian Eriksen is reportedly a target for former club Ajax. Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans depart United with almost two decades of combined service. Advertisement But Tom Heaton Christian Eriksen 9 Christian Eriksen could be set for a reunion with a former team Credit: Getty Newcastle United Eddie Howe may view the transfer window as a success if he can keep hold of Toon are willing to move on from Callum Wilson, who has been a superb servant since joining from Bournemouth in 2020. Advertisement Leeds, newly promoted as Championship champions, are Jamal Lewis Mark Gillespie Nottingham Forest Following an unexpected European push, Forest will likely be busy again in the transfer market. While Harry Toffolo - poached from Huddersfield after Forest's promotion in 2022 - would be a canny signing for most Championship clubs. Advertisement Wayne Hennessey 9 Harry Toffolo joined Forest after their promotion to the Premier League in 2022 Credit: Getty Southampton The Saints are heading back to the Championship. And two former England internationals are set to depart the club this summer. Adam Lallana returned on a one-year deal last summer and was Advertisement While Kyle Walker-Peters - still only 28 - could be set for another Premier League club. Adam Lallana Joe Lumley Tottenham Hotspur But three loan moves later, the left-back looks certain to leave after mustering just 242 minutes across all competitions this season. Veteran keeper Fraser Forster could still fill a backup role in the Prem, while Advertisement Alfie Whiteman 9 Sergio Reguilon's contract is up at Spurs after a disappointing five years Credit: Alamy West Ham United It's another season of change for the Hammers - and they're set to wave goodbye to a club legend. Michail Antonio's contract situation has been described as "complex" by boss Graham Potter earlier this month. The striker - West Ham's record Prem scorer - Advertisement Danny Ings, Aaron Cresswell and Kurt Zouma are also on their way out the door. Michail Antonio Aaron Cresswell Kurt Zouma Wolves With Pablo Sarabia was a bargain buy for under £5million two years ago, but at 33 hasn't produced the goods this term. Wolves will also have to replace Nelson Semedo, who has been a lynchpin of the midfield since 2020. Advertisement Craig Dawson
