Following his impressive debut in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, Chelsea midfielder Denis Zakaria has admitted it has been very difficult not getting a chance to play since joining the club from Juventus in the summer.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Juventus on loan with an option to buy, insists he left Juventus to play football and not sit on the bench.

Speaking to Chelsea TV, Denis Zakaria said: “It was an amazing feeling. It was really cool for me to have this experience. The Chelsea fans are amazing, and I hope I can have a lot of games in front of them.

“I’m very excited, I’m very happy and it’s important for me to play a good game. I left Juventus to play and I waited for my chance. The coach said to play the way we did in training and I did my best.

“It’s been very, very difficult, I have to say. When you have to see your team-mates on the pitch and you’re on the bench, it’s not so easy. But I was always behind the team. I was waiting for my chance.”