Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri insists he is "calm and happy" at Stamford Bridge despite his lack of regular game since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.
The left-back, who is expected to be called up to the Italy squad for this summer's European Championships, has started just twice since the German coach arrived at the end of January and has made a further three substitute appearances totalling 13 minutes.
It could have been different had a January move come to fruition. Emerson was linked with a return to Serie A, with Juventus keen on signing the 26-year-old, whose contract at Chelsea expires at the end of next season.
No deal came to fruition, however. Emerson puts that down to Juventus but there is no disappointment, anger, or regret that a deal didn't take place.
"I didn't receive a firm offer," the full-back explained in an interview in FourFourTwo's Euro 2020 edition.
"I've always said I want to stay at Chelsea. Maybe because I haven't been playing much, people think I want to go, but I remain calm and happy at Stamford Bridge, making the most of any chance I get."
Emerson hasn't played the minutes he undoubtedly would have liked over the past four months but he has still made a big impression on Tuchel.
The Chelsea head coach has often stressed in press conferences the Italian international's positivity, application, and professionalism in training at Cobham is hugely commendable and an example for the rest of the Blues squad.
“I’m so happy for him as the guy suffers all the time from my decision,” Tuchel said after the defender struck a late goal in the Champions League last-16 second-leg victory over Atletico Madrid.
“We have three players for one position with Marcos Alonso, Ben Chilwell and Emerson. So we started to play with a back three and chose different players so he only had the chance to show up in one cup game, which he did.
“After some days where he needed to settle to new information and a new style, he is training with an unbelievable effort.
"He is one of the nicest guys you can imagine. He’s always friendly, with unbelievable qualities."
That strength of feeling appears to be reciprocated with Emerson quick to highlight how well Tuchel has handled the Chelsea dressing room, something which former Blues head coach Frank Lampard struggled with at the end of his tenure.
Emerson said: "The first day he arrived, he told me that I was important for him. He knows how to handle the dressing room.
"He's very sincere and says the things that need to be said - it doesn't matter if you're playing well or not."
