Leipzig return was ‘best option for me’, insists Nkunku

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Christopher Nkunku believes returning to RB Leipzig this summer was “the best option for me.”

Three years after leaving Leipzig for Chelsea in a £52m (€60m) move, Nkunku has rejoined the Bundesliga club on loan from AC Milan.

The 28-year-old netted in their 5-0 win over Hamburg on Sunday, while also providing an assist earlier in the season against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Nkunku recorded his first goal for RB Leipzig in all competitions since June 2023, when he scored in the DFB-Pokal final against Eintracht Frankfurt (2-0).

During his first spell with Leipzig, Nkunku made 172 appearances across all competitions, scoring 70 goals and providing 45 assists.

The Frenchman’s best campaign came in 2021-22, when he directly contributed to 51 goals (35 goals, 16 assists) in 52 games.

Among players in Europe’s top five leagues, only Kylian Mbappe (60), Karim Benzema (59) and Robert Lewandowski (56) directly contributed to more goals than Nkunku.

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) September 14, 2026

Nkunku won the Conference League and Club World Cup during his time with Chelsea, but now wants to enjoy his football again.

“In my situation, I need to enjoy football again, to just think about football, play games and be on the pitch to do what I want to do. It was the best option for me,” Nkunku told Bulinews.com.

“At the moment, it was the best option for me. When I spoke with the coach and the management, we were all convinced that this season would be good for me and for the club also. We didn’t hesitate one moment and pushed for the deal.

“I don’t feel under pressure. I learned a lot in these three years and gained some experience.

“I know what I can bring to the team, and part of it is giving advice to the young players and helping them understand what it’s like playing at the highest level.”

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