Alonso: Happy for Mudryk, his return was emotional

Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk made an emotional return to Chelsea's squad after his doping ban was reduced, playing for the first time in 20 months. The 25-year-old featured as a substitute during a friendly match against Juventus, held in Hong Kong.

Blues manager Xabi Alonso expressed his satisfaction with Mudryk's return, despite his team's 0-1 loss.

“I’m truly happy for him. It was an emotional moment for everyone at the club to see him back on the pitch,” the Spanish tactician stated.

“When I told him before the game that he might play 10-15 minutes, he was definitely excited. It was a great feeling for him and for everyone else,” Alonso added.

Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for £62 million. However, his career was jeopardized after the English Football Association imposed a four-year ban due to a positive test for the prohibited substance meldonium. His sanction was subsequently reduced.

Prior to the Juventus match, Alonso had stated that “no decision had yet been made” regarding the Ukrainian's future with the team. After the game, however, he emphasized the significance of Mudryk's return to play.

“This was more than a football decision. It was a human and emotional decision to give him that boost, to let him feel the immense support he received, and the fantastic welcome when he stepped onto the pitch,” the London club's coach explained.