Federico Chiesa gives coy response regarding Liverpool future

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa admits a return to Italy is 'something to think about' this summer.

The 27-year-old finished a frustrating maiden campaign in England, in which he featured just 14 times after arriving late in August in a £10million deal, as a Premier League winner and is currently targeting a return to pre-season training on July 8.

But asked about a return to his homeland, the Italy international told La Gazzetta dello Sport: 'That's something to think about during the summer.

'My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season.

'We'll find the best solution for everyone. I work every day with a Liverpool programme to be in top shape for the tests on July 8.

'While out of the squad (at Juventus), I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.

'I hope (next season) it's my season. My dream is to participate in the World Cup.'

When Chiesa arrived on Merseyside, he was unfit after being frozen out by Thiago Motta at the Turin club and not having a pre-season, and lacked match sharpness.

The winger was then constantly playing catch-up in the early months of the season and as a result, could not get in the team ahead of others.

He only managed a meagre 104 minutes of football in the Premier League, making just one start, which came against Brighton in the penultimate match of the campaign with the title wrapped up.

However, despite not utilising Chiesa's skills throughout the season, Liverpool boss Arne Slot that he has a future at Anfield just last month.

'Does he have a future here? Yes, definitely he has, yes,' said Slot. 'Definitely. I think everyone playing for us over here has a future over here.

'Next season, if he comes back completely fit, which he has hardly been for the first half-season but then afterward he became fitter and fitter. The next step should have been playing time, which I couldn't give him.

'But I can give him playing time in pre-season, so he can build himself up and then go even further.'

Chiesa is natural a winger who plays on the right, but with Mo Salah a staple in that position, opportunities were hard to come by as the Egyptian led Liverpool to a 20th title.

Slot also said: 'In terms of the quality he has, he deserves more playing time but unfortunately for him he's in competition with Mo Salah. On the left, it's competition with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. Three players who have had a great season.

'He was not as fit as the others for a long time. That doesn't help in the beginning. Then the others did so well there's no reason to change.

'Is he good enough to play for us? Yes he is. But I've always felt Lucho, Cody and Mo deserved the confidence I had in them.'

Chiesa has been linked with the likes of Napoli and Atletico Madrid, but there is yet to be any serious speculation of a departure.

He has admitted that he would 'never say never' to a return to Turin, but there are no signs that is an option at the time of writing.