Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green has made a surprising revelation about the club's 2019 Europa League triumph, stating that he and his teammates received no financial bonuses for their victory.
Stunning Disclosure on Podcast
Speaking on the Fozcast - The Ben Foster Podcast, Green recounted how he approached club secretary David Barnard after Chelsea's Europa League win to inquire about bonus payments. "I went 'Barney, there's no bonus schedule for the Europa League? You don't get a bonus?'" Green recalled asking.
Barnard's response was equally surprising, with Green explaining that the secretary simply shrugged his shoulders and said: "Well that's not the European Cup. It's the second tier isn't it."
Arsenal Rout in Baku Final
The Blues had secured their Europa League title with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over London rivals Arsenal in the final held in Baku. Goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro, and a brace from Eden Hazard sealed the convincing win for Chelsea.
Green, who served as the team's third-choice goalkeeper during that campaign, didn't feature in any matches during their European run but was an official member of the championship squad.
Club's Apparent Disinterest
When podcast host Ben Foster expressed astonishment at the lack of bonuses and asked Green to elaborate, the former goalkeeper revealed the club's apparent attitude toward the competition. "We're not interested in it," Green explained, summarizing Chelsea's position on Europa League bonuses.
This revelation comes despite the Europa League representing a significant European trophy and requiring substantial effort from the squad throughout the competition.
Green's Brief Chelsea Tenure
The 2018-2019 season marked Green's sole campaign with Chelsea before his retirement from professional football. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he didn't play a single minute under then-manager Maurizio Sarri, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero firmly established as the first and second-choice goalkeepers respectively.
Despite his limited on-field contribution, Green's insider perspective provides unique insight into Chelsea's financial approach to secondary European competitions and raises questions about how clubs value different trophies when it comes to player compensation.
