Yossi Benayoun has confirmed he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
The Israel international joined the Blues in a shock £5million switch from Liverpool in the summer of 2010, but he has failed to make an impression at Stamford Bridge. Benayoun has made just 13 appearances in the Premier League for the Londoners, and has spent time on loan at Arsenal and, earlier this term, former club West Ham United.
With his contract set to expire in the summer, the player, who will turn 33 on Sunday when the best he can hope for is probably a place on the bench against Manchester United, has revealed he will quit the club. This is unlikely to come as much of a surprise, although he insists the decision was his and not one enforced by the UEFA Europa League finalists.
“If I wanted to stay perhaps I could, but I’m looking for a team where I can express myself more,” he is quoted in the London Evening Standard. “Agents are talking about offers from America, Spain, Russia and England, but there’s nothing concrete at the moment.
“I’ve no regrets about staying at Chelsea. I’ve been a strong part of the rotation system, starting some games and coming on as a sub in others. That’s something to be taken into account, when there are so many attacking midfielders in the squad.”
Benayoun accused some Chelsea fans of directing anti-semitic abuse towards him last month when he came on as a substitute against Liverpool. When asked if there have been any further developments on this, he replied the club are continuing to investigate.
