Disasi's Chelsea Exile: From Bomb Squad Blues to West Ham Auntie's Delight
Axel Disasi has opened up about his tough exile at Chelsea, where he was banished to the 'bomb squad' after falling out of favour, crediting his family for helping him stay strong. Now on loan at West Ham United, the defender has revealed his aunt is a lifelong Hammers fan who always preferred him there over Stamford Bridge. With three appearances already under his belt, Disasi is eyeing a key role as West Ham battle relegation.
Alright, lads, grab a pint because Axel Disasi's story is one of those football tales that sounds like a bad dream – or maybe a sitcom plot. The French defender rocked up at Chelsea from Monaco back in the summer of 2023, full of promise, and under Mauricio Pochettino, he was banging out 44 appearances like it was nothing. But then Enzo Maresca strolls in, and suddenly Disasi's game time evaporates faster than a puddle on a scorching matchday. By the first half of the 2024-25 season, he's down to just 17 outings, and off he goes on loan to Aston Villa. Fair play, you might think – a fresh start. But no, summer rolls around, no permanent move sticks, and boom: he's chucked into Chelsea's infamous 'bomb squad' alongside Raheem Sterling, training away from the first team like naughty schoolkids in detention.
Picture this: you're a top-flight pro, France international no less, and you're kicking a ball around with the B-team while the likes of Reece James and co. are prepping for glory. Disasi calls it 'a little bit crazy', and who can blame him? New gaffer Liam Rosenior eventually drags him back into the senior fold, but by deadline day in the winter window, he's scarpered on loan to West Ham United for the rest of the 2025-26 season. Talk about a lifeline – Premier League footy again, and in east London no less.
Chatting on West Ham's in-house podcast, Disasi spills the beans on how he kept his chin up during the wilderness years. 'My situation before was a little bit crazy,' he admits, but credits his solid background and family for keeping him sharp. 'I stayed working hard, kept my head in the right place,' he says. No moping about; this lad was grafting in the shadows, waiting for his moment. And family? They were his rock. Makes you think – in the mad world of modern footy, where managers chop and change like they're on a whim, it's the missus, kids, or in Disasi's case, a proper supportive clan that gets you through.
Here's the cherry on top, the bit that'll have you chuckling into your lager: Disasi reveals his auntie's a die-hard West Ham fan. When he signed for Chelsea, she was chuffed but couldn't resist a cheeky, 'Ah, I would've preferred West Ham.' Now he's at the London Stadium, she's over the moon. Family loyalty meets Hammers passion – it's like destiny, innit? Proper heartwarming stuff amid the transfer merry-go-round.
So, what's next for our resilient centre-back? He hadn't kicked a competitive ball this season until touching down at West Ham, but he's already notched three appearances. The Irons are in a right scrap, sitting 18th and staring down the barrel in the relegation zone. This Saturday, they host Bournemouth – a must-win if ever there was one. Disasi's fresh legs and experience could be the tonic they need. Julen Lopetegui's side isn't pulling up trees, but with grafters like this on board, who knows? They might just haul themselves out of the mire.
Disasi's journey is a reminder of footy's brutal side. One minute you're a key player, the next you're surplus to requirements, training in exile. But it's also a nod to resilience – staying professional, leaning on your people, and grabbing the next chance with both hands. At 27, he's got prime years ahead. West Ham fans, you've got a fighter on your hands. Chelsea? Well, they might rue letting him slip, especially if he bangs in some crucial performances. Keep an eye on this one, mates – Disasi's not done yet.
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