Marc Guehi returned to Crystal Palace in the game against Sunderland, just a week after he had seen a transfer to Liverpool breakdown on transfer deadline day
Marc Guehi has reaffirmed his dedication to Crystal Palace following the collapse of a dream switch to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.
The Reds had struck a £35m agreement for the centre-half, who had begun his medical examination, before the Eagles withdrew from the deal at the last moment after being unable to secure a replacement.
Liverpool maintain their interest in Guehi, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer. However, they are presently unlikely to pursue the centre-back in January given he will become available without a fee at the season’s end.
The England international made his first outing for Palace since his transfer breakdown against Sunderland on Saturday. He spoke directly to supporters through his captain’s column in the matchday programme, after boss Oliver Glasner had previously confirmed he would keep the armband.
Guehi, perhaps predictably, made no reference to his botched Liverpool move in his notes.
Instead, he took the opportunity to express gratitude to Palace fans for their backing whilst sharing his enthusiasm about playing alongside the club’s new arrivals and featuring in this season’s Europa Conference League, reports the Liverpool Echo.
“After coming through two difficult challenges away from home before the break, it’s great to be back in South London this afternoon,” he penned.
“It’s a new challenge getting used to playing on both a Thursday and Sunday throughout the season, but we are enjoying the experience. Having said that, it’s never an easy task when both games are away from home in such a short space of time.
“It was amazing to see so many of you make the trip over to Norway for our second leg against Fredrikstad. We know that so many people have worked very hard to see us play in Europe and experience nights just like that; it was great to witness it in person.
“Obviously, the game itself was a tough challenge. They made things very difficult for us and it wasn’t easy to find a rhythm against them. But I thought we managed the game with real maturity.
“Even towards the end when things started getting a big hectic, defensively the lads were excellent. Now we can look forward to the Conference League main tournament, with the league phase beginning next month.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more of you on those European away days and hopefully we can bring our best on the pitch to match the occasions. To then go away to Aston Villa and produce the performance we did, I think speaks volumes about what this team is capable of.
“Villa are a good team, and before that game, had not lost in the league at home in over a year, so we knew we’d have to move on quickly from last season and be at our best.
“Once again everyone raised their level and pulled out a top-level team display. The commitment and willingness to the defensive work helped us survive a tough period after half-time. Thankfully we were then able to take our chances at the other end and – in the end – fully deserved the win.
“I wanted to personally thank you for the support we received at both games. As a group of players, we know the sacrifices so many of you will have had to make to give us your support in Norway and then again in Birmingham just three days later. It’s never taken for granted.
“I’d like to welcome Yeremy (Pino), Jaydee (Canvot) and (Christantus) Uche to the team. They will all bring a high level of quality to the squad and I look forward to playing alongside them.
“Looking at today’s game, we have another challenging task against a Sunderland team who have started the season very well.
“Our travelling support is always special to us, but now is a chance to show everyone once again that Selhurst Park is up there with the very best atmospheres in the Premier League.
“We’ll all be giving everything to get another three points this afternoon. Make some noise, back the team and let’s keep this fantastic run going.”
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