Cuadrado tells Chelsea fans: Be patient, I’m worth the wait

Juan Cuadrado has urged Chelsea fans to be patient with him as he continues to adapt to life in England following a £27 million January move from Fiorentina.

The 26-year-old winger is yet to scale the heights expected of him following his big-money switch to Stamford Bridge, producing lukewarm performances in his five appearances thus far.

However, the Colombian remains confident in his ability and believes that the “excellent” Jose Mourinho can get the very best out of him.

“I am happy. I am adapting to the city, the game and the new teammates,” he told Win Sport. “After a change a player needs to be patient. I have just started. I need to work hard and when the chance arrives be ready for it with the help of God.

“Mourinho has impacted me [for good]. He is an excellent person. With the media, during the interviews, he is a different person but with the players is like a father. He told me that besides attacking I need to mark the rivals but I am used to it. In Italy, [Vincenzo] Montella also told me that I had to defend, not just attack.

“The Premier League is a little bit different [to Serie A]. The transition from defence to attack is very fast. But the Colombian players are ready for it. We must be patient and with time you will see the results.”

Cuadrado joined Chelsea in a deal that saw winger Mohamad Salah – who has since scored six in 11 games – move the other way.

Was Mourinho right to let Salah leave in favour of bringing in Cuadrado? Let us know in the comments below.