Papy Djilobodji’s spell in English football began with an unhappy experience at Chelsea before his career at Sunderland deteriorated further, eventually ending with the club terminating his contract. According to a report by Football London on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Senegalese defender later admitted that he had never felt wanted at Stamford Bridge after arriving from Nantes in 2015.

Chelsea paid £2.7 million to sign Djilobodji, who agreed to a four-year contract. However, despite the length of his deal, he never made an appearance for the club’s first team. He joined Werder Bremen on loan in January 2016 before completing a permanent move to Sunderland that summer. The transfer offered him a chance to restart his career and secure the regular first-team football he had not received in London or elsewhere in England.

Reflecting on his decision to join the Black Cats, Djilobodji spoke to L’Équipe about the welcome he received from manager David Moyes. He suggested that Moyes had shown him a level of interest and encouragement that he had not experienced from Chelsea’s leadership.

The defender explained that Moyes had made it clear he wanted him at Sunderland, even though they had not discussed whether he would immediately become a regular starter. That expression of confidence was important to Djilobodji and influenced his decision.

He contrasted that experience with his time at Chelsea, saying he had never received a similar message from the club. Rather than approach José Mourinho to request opportunities, Djilobodji had preferred to demonstrate his ability during training and allow his performances to make the case for selection.

His transfer to Sunderland, however, did not deliver the start he had hoped for. Djilobodji struggled to establish himself and made 24 appearances for the club. He was sent off against Hull City. He also spent time away from Sunderland on loan at French side Dijon.

Relations between the defender and the club became increasingly strained after Sunderland were relegated to League One. The situation worsened in 2018, when Djilobodji returned more than a month after an agreed period of unpaid leave had expired and failed to report for pre-season training.

Sunderland said he had ignored written instructions requiring him to return. When he eventually reappeared, he also failed to pass the club’s fitness assessment. The club subsequently terminated his contract, arguing that his conduct amounted to a breach of the agreement between them.

Despite the difficult conclusion to his time in England, Djilobodji said he had received valuable support from family and friends. He acknowledged learning from talented teammates, although he regretted not showing more of his ability.

He reflected that the experience had been challenging but said he had remained mentally strong. Having returned to France, he felt able to enjoy a calmer environment.

The 37-year-old later continued his playing career in France and Turkey after leaving England in 2018. His unsuccessful spells at Chelsea and Sunderland remain difficult chapters in a career that promised more when he first arrived in the Premier League.