Lucas Bergstrom has joined RCD Mallorca following the expiry of his Chelsea contract. The 22-year-old Finnish goalkeeper, who stands at 6ft 9ins, spent six-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge but saw no clear path to first-team progression.
Bergstrom admitted the Mediterranean heat has been a challenge. 'The first few days I felt like I was almost dying outside,' he said. 'I'm slowly adapting and it's just drinking a lot of water and trying to survive basically.'
Despite earning a Conference League winners' medal with Chelsea, Bergstrom grew frustrated with the loan cycle. 'It felt like I'd done really well, but didn't help me to progress in any way,' he explained. He learned from goalkeepers such as Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Robert Sanchez, and Filip Jorgensen during his time at the club.
Now at Mallorca, Bergstrom aims to challenge Leo Roman and Pichu Cuellar for a starting spot. He is using Duolingo to learn Spanish and plans to explore the island as tourist numbers dwindle. 'It's a very good place for me to come to develop,' he said.
