{"id":50471,"date":"2026-07-21T20:12:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T00:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/21\/morgan-rodgers-appears-to-criticize-arsenal-in-his-first-interview-as-a-chelsea-player\/"},"modified":"2026-07-21T20:12:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T00:12:21","slug":"morgan-rodgers-appears-to-criticize-arsenal-in-his-first-interview-as-a-chelsea-player","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/21\/morgan-rodgers-appears-to-criticize-arsenal-in-his-first-interview-as-a-chelsea-player\/","title":{"rendered":"Morgan Rodgers appears to criticize Arsenal in his first interview as a Chelsea player"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/21\/morgan-rodgers-appears-to-criticize-arsenal-in-his-first-interview-as-a-chelsea-player\/#Rodgers_makes_bold_statement_after_moving_to_Chelsea\" >Rodgers makes bold statement after moving to Chelsea<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/21\/morgan-rodgers-appears-to-criticize-arsenal-in-his-first-interview-as-a-chelsea-player\/#Why_Arsenal_supporters_consider_this_a_dig\" >Why Arsenal supporters consider this a dig<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<!-- Article Start --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Chelsea&#8217;s record-breaking new signing has quickly made an impact off the pitch, describing the Blues as London&#8217;s biggest club in his first interview after completing his \u00a3117m move from Aston Villa.<br \/><\/strong><br \/>This comment was always going to be controversial, but the circumstances surrounding the transfer give it special meaning.<\/p>\n<p>Arsenal have made Morgan Rodgers a priority target in their attack and have made significant efforts to bring him to the Emirates.<\/p>\n<div id=\"message-list_1779082922.637049\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" aria-labelledby=\"primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-sender primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-message_text primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-alt_text primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-date_time primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-reaction_count primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-reply_count primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-link_count primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-attachment_count primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-has_draft_reply primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-pinned_state primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-edited_state primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-later_state primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-broadcast_state primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-broadcast_thread_root_message primary-DPALHTQM9-1779082922.637049-translated_state\" style=\"clear:left;\">\n<div>\n<div aria-roledescription=\"message\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><b>Download the official CaughtOffSide app to get all the latest news and updates straight to your phone. above <\/b><b><u><span draggable=\"true\">apple<\/span><\/u><\/b><b>    &#038; <\/b><b><u><span draggable=\"true\">Google play<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Chelsea ultimately acted more decisively, meeting Villa&#8217;s demands and securing his signature.<\/p>\n<p>It would be unfair to claim that this comment was definitely directed at Arsenal, as Rodgers did not mention them directly.<\/p>\n<p>However, his words about choosing Chelsea over strong interest from London rivals could be interpreted as a subtle bargain.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rodgers_makes_bold_statement_after_moving_to_Chelsea\"><\/span>Rodgers makes bold statement after moving to Chelsea<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea-320x198.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea-414x256.jpg.webp 414w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea-630x390.jpg.webp 630w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea-768x476.jpg.webp 768w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea-770x477.jpg.webp 770w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea-900x558.jpg.webp 900w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea-1200x743.jpg.webp 1200w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rogers-Chelsea.jpg.webp 1372w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width:1230px) 770px, (min-width:1020px) 630px, (min-width:900px) 880px, (min-width:680px) 97vw, (min-width:414px) 414px, 100vw\"><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image courtesy of Chelsea website<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Rodgers joined Chelsea for \u00a3117 million, a record fee in British history, on a six-year contract with an option for an additional season.<\/p>\n<p>In his first interview he said:<em> \u201cI\u2019m delighted to be joining London\u2019s biggest club.\u201d<\/em>Chelsea&#8217;s official website reported.<\/p>\n<p>The emphasis on &#8220;greatest&#8221; makes this statement sound more powerful than the usual praise from a new player.<\/p>\n<p>The comment was sure to cause a reaction, as supporters of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham regularly debate which club occupies the highest position in the capital.<\/p>\n<p>It also allows Chelsea to present the move as proof of their traction after defeating their direct rivals for one of their most wanted attackers.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Arsenal_supporters_consider_this_a_dig\"><\/span>Why Arsenal supporters consider this a dig<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Morgan-Rogers-as-Chelsea-player-320x270.jpg.webp 320w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Morgan-Rogers-as-Chelsea-player-414x349.jpg.webp 414w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Morgan-Rogers-as-Chelsea-player-630x531.jpg.webp 630w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Morgan-Rogers-as-Chelsea-player-768x647.jpg.webp 768w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Morgan-Rogers-as-Chelsea-player-770x648.jpg.webp 770w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Morgan-Rogers-as-Chelsea-player-900x758.jpg.webp 900w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Morgan-Rogers-as-Chelsea-player.jpg.webp 1109w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width:1230px) 770px, (min-width:1020px) 630px, (min-width:900px) 880px, (min-width:680px) 97vw, (min-width:414px) 414px, 100vw\"\/><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image courtesy of Chelsea website<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Rodgers was Arsenal&#8217;s number one target for the forward until Chelsea reached an agreement with Villa.<\/p>\n<p>The Gunners were interested but refused to match the final figure of \u00a3117m.<\/p>\n<p>Given this context, his comments could be seen as a sly dig. Just days after turning down the chance to join Arsenal, Rodgers publicly ranked the Blues above any other club in London.<\/p>\n<p>It was probably designed primarily to excite Chelsea supporters rather than insult Arsenal.<\/p>\n<p>Still, Rodgers would have understood how his words would be received.<\/p>\n<p>This quote made for an interesting rivalry story, but the performance becomes more important.<\/p>\n<p>For a record fee, he needs to justify Chelsea&#8217;s faith in him with goals, creativity and success on the pitch.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Chelsea willing to pay \u00a360m for new English prospect after signing Rodgers<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- Article End -->\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chelsea&#8217;s record-breaking new signing has quickly made an impact off the pitch, describing the Blues as London&#8217;s biggest club in his first interview after completing his \u00a3117m move from Aston Villa.This comment was always going to be controversial, but the circumstances surrounding the transfer give it special meaning. Arsenal have made Morgan Rodgers a priority [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50472,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[40],"class_list":["post-50471","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football","tag-football"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50471","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50471"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50471\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50471"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50471"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}