Tiemoue Bakayoko insists he is not taking a step down by leaving Chelsea to re-join Monaco.
The 25-year-old has returned to his former club on a season-long loan, while the Ligue 1 side also have the option to buy the midfielder at the end of the campaign.
After signing from Monaco for £40 million in 2017, Bakayoko struggled during his first season at Chelsea and was subsequently loaned out to AC Milan last term.
Bakayoko returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer for pre-season training but Frank Lampard has allowed the French midfielder to leave the club.
There was a good opportunity to come back here in a very good project, said Bakayoko.
Lots of people will perhaps say that I am taking a step back by coming to Monaco but I see it differently.
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My two experiences abroad allowed me to play a lot, contrary to what a lot of people have said.
My season in Milan brought me a lot in terms of new avenues of football and professionalism. I have taken a lot of positive things away from it.”
The club is what is important today. I do not think about my personal ambitions.
