Chelsea: Midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah thanks 'amazing' Napoli after loan spell ends

Chelsea youngster Nathaniel Chalobah has thanked Napoli having returning to his parent club after a season-long loan spell with the Serie A club.

Chalobah, whose previous loan stints away from Stamford Bridge have taken him to Watford, Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley and Reading, was used sparingly by the Serie A club throughout the 2015-16 season, making just five appearances in the league.

Having reached the end of his latest loan, The Blues youngster was quick to pay tribute to Napoli via his Facebook page, writing a message of thanks in Italian.

"Sad day for me leaving behind my teammates and an amazing city after eight months of working together. A year of good memories and bad, by luckily for me I was surrounded by a group of guys who were like my family, and a city that embraced me into their arms and their culture.

"I've left behind friends for life. A club and a city that will always be in my heart. Thank you to everyone who helped make Naples my home and good luck for the coming season."

Chalobah's spell in Italy was also marked by a touching gesture from Napoli following the death of his mother. The club held a minute's silence ahead of a league game against Sassuolo in January, dedicating the win to the England Under-21 international.

The Chelsea academy product also made a handful of appearances in the Europa League, capping a wonderful team move with an excellent goal of his own in a victory over Legia Warsaw in December 2015.

Not long after his arrival in Naples, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis said he would be open to the idea of signing the Chelsea midfielder on a permanent contract if he impresses during his spell at the club.

"I hope he does well," De Laurentiis told a press conference, Tutto Mercato Web reported. "Chelsea didn't give us the option to buy him, but should he prove to be an important player during the season we will go on the offensive to keep him."