INTERVIEW: "I need to enjoy football again" – Christopher Nkunku on returning to RB Leipzig and his struggles at Chelsea and AC Milan

Christopher Nkunku, the French forward, spoke candidly about his return to RB Leipzig and his previous struggles at Chelsea and AC Milan in an interview with Bulinews.com. After a successful stint with Leipzig in 2021, the 28-year-old was signed by Chelsea for €60 million in 2023, only to find himself struggling and eventually moving to AC Milan for €37 million in 2025.

Nkunku explained that he was drawn back to Leipzig because he felt it was the best option for him, both for his own enjoyment of the game and for the club. In his first spell at Leipzig, Nkunku helped the team win two DFB-Pokal trophies and reach the Champions League semi-finals before his move to Chelsea.

Reflecting on his time at Chelsea, Nkunku attributed his struggles to the timing of his arrival and a serious knee injury he suffered at the end of pre-season. The injury kept him out of action for most of the first half of the 2023/24 season, and when he finally returned, his eagerness to make up for lost time may have contributed to further issues.

When asked about the expectations that come with returning to a club where he had such a successful run, Nkunku insisted that he did not feel under pressure. He acknowledged that he has gained valuable experience during his time away from Leipzig and is happy to share his knowledge with the younger players. The Frenchman sees himself as a mentor for the next generation of Leipzig players, a role he is embracing despite his reserved nature.