Emerson explains why he refused Chelsea return

Chelsea defender Emerson has explained the reason behind his decision to stay with Lyon on loan.

The Blues were keen on terminating Emerson's loan deal in January as they sought a replacement for the injured Ben Chilwell.

They were willing to pay a compensation fee to Les Gones, but were unsuccessful in convincing the left-back over the same.

Emerson has now revealed that he had promised Lyon's sporting director Juninho to stay for the season, and stuck by his word.

He told reporters: "I did not return to Chelsea because I promised Juninho that I would stay for a season. I am a man of my word."

"I like being in Lyon. I want to be here. For next season, hard to say because depends on the clubs but I'm happy here."

Lyon have the option to sign Emerson permanently for £15 million, but it is unclear whether they will trigger the buy clause.

There are suggestions that they could negotiate a lesser fee for the Italian, who will enter the final year of his Blues deal in July.