Caicedo: Chelsea is my home, I want to keep improving

Moises Caicedo has spoken openly about his attachment to Chelsea, saying the club feels like home after more than three years at Stamford Bridge. The Ecuadorian midfielder has become one of the Premier League's most reliable ball-winners since his arrival in the 2023/24 season.

Caicedo has won possession more often than any other Premier League player since joining Chelsea, with only two players recording more tackles and interceptions in that period. His first significant injury absence came early this season, ending a run of consistent availability that underlined his durability.

He returned against Bournemouth, playing 72 minutes as Chelsea won 5-1 before being withdrawn to a standing ovation. No player on the pitch that day won more tackles or recorded a higher pass completion rate.

"It has been a great journey for me, more than three special years at one of the best clubs in the world," Caicedo said. "In my first season, I passed some tough moments. They helped me to grow, to keep developing, and to be in the position I am in right now."

Now 24 and part of Chelsea's leadership group, Caicedo acknowledged he is still working on his vocal presence on the pitch. "Every coach tells me that I can improve talking on the pitch. They know that I'm a leader, but it will be better if I start talking more with the players. When I'm not able to talk, I just try to show even more."

He cited Thiago Silva as a model. "He was an example for us. How he was a leader here was amazing for all of us. Now being one of the captains is a pleasure for me, and a special feeling for my family."

Manager Xabi Alonso has publicly described Caicedo as "one of the best holding players in the world," words the midfielder says drive him forward. "With Xabi I am going to keep developing, for sure, and show him why he trusts me."

Caicedo also spoke about Chelsea's growing presence in Ecuador, including the recent renovation of a community football pitch in the port city of Guayaquil. "It was a proud moment for me because Chelsea are doing things in Ecuador and I think I opened that door for them to go."

"The fans in Ecuador and at Stamford Bridge support me so much. Every game I see people from Ecuador in the stadium. And it's an amazing feeling when the Chelsea fans sing my song."

"I can say Chelsea is my home, because they treat me like I've been here for a long, long time," he added. "I want to always show my team-mates, the coaches, the fans, just what I'm capable of."