--- title: "Ben Chilwell sends ‘exciting’message to fans after sealing return" canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/09/03/ben-chilwell-sends-message-fans-sealing-return-crystal-palace/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Naz Yusuf" section: "Crystal Palace Transfer News" published: "2026-09-03T09:30:00Z" modified: "2026-10-10T21:44:08Z" --- # Ben Chilwell sends ‘exciting’message to fans after sealing return Summer transfer windows are rarely straightforward, but every so often, a deal comes along that just feels completely right. For [Crystal Palace](https://readcrystalpalace.com/tag/crystal-palace/), securing [Ben Chilwell](https://readcrystalpalace.com/tag/ben-chilwell/) on a permanent transfer from RC Strasbourg on [deadline day](https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/08/26/palaces-summer-sagas-continue-for-now-but-deadline-day-nears/) is precisely that kind of move. The left-back is no stranger to South London, having spent a successful temporary stint with the Eagles last season. That initial loan spell concluded in the dream scenario: lifting the FA Cup trophy at Wembley before a emotional goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on a memorable Selhurst Park send-off just three days later. Now, the 29-year-old England international is back for good. And as he settles back into familiar surroundings, his ambitions are entirely centered on helping [Pierre Sage](https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/08/27/pierre-sage-chadi-riad-injury-update-man-city/)’s side reach even greater heights. ## Familiar Faces and Unfinished Business Stepping back through the doors at Selhurst Park, Chilwell admits that returning to a group he knows so well made the deadline-day scramble much smoother. The pull of the club, the supporters, and the unfinished business of chasing more silverware proved too strong to ignore. ***“It’s nice to see some familiar faces, and I’m just really excited to get back and see the boys again, and get cracking,” [Chilwell told Palace TV, reflecting on his return to South London.](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/video/chilwells-interview-more-silverware-would-be-nice/)*** ***“I’ve got such good memories from when I was last here, on and off the pitch. I’m super excited to see the boys who are here, meet all the new faces and the new Manager – and get started again.”*** The reference to a new manager highlights the shifting landscape at Selhurst Park following managerial changes over the summer, but Chilwell’s integration into Sage’s tactical setup is expected to be seamless given his elite background and prior familiarity with the squad’s core. ## Reliving That Wembley Glory and SE25 Parade It is impossible to discuss Chilwell’s initial time at Palace without mentioning the historic high points of that 2024/25 campaign. For a player who had experienced the bitter sting of defeat in previous Wembley finals, finally getting his hands on the famous old trophy in red and blue was deeply cathartic. Recalling the FA Cup Final triumph and the subsequent unforgettable winners’ parade through the streets of SE25, a smiling Chilwell noted: ***“It was just such an incredible day for so many reasons.***“ ***“I’d obviously personally been to a few FA Cup Finals and not got the win, so together with Crystal Palace and such a close-knit group of friends, family, and the fans all together, it was just such a special day.*** ***“And the parade as well… to see the way the fans were mixing with the players, and just the togetherness of everyone, it definitely left a mark on me, and I’m super excited to experience and feel that again.”*** That shared euphoria forged a permanent bond between the defender and the fanbase, transforming what could have been a fleeting loan chapter into a genuine emotional connection. ## Elite Pedigree and European Know-How Beyond the warm sentiment of his return, Chilwell brings a formidable winning mentality to the Eagles dressing room. His CV speaks for itself, featuring a UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup collected during his successful spell with Chelsea, alongside that domestic FA Cup crown. As Palace navigate the demands of competing on multiple fronts including European commitments following their recent Conference League success having players who know how to cross the finish line in high-stakes matches is invaluable. The left-back revealed that these exact leadership qualities formed the crux of his initial conversations with club chairman Steve Parish before penning his permanent deal. ***“I spoke to Steve Parish earlier and just tried to reiterate to him what I think I can bring, on the pitch and off the pitch in terms of playing European football,” Chilwell explained.*** ***“I’ve had success in Europe. The boys here have had success in Europe. I’m just excited to feel that with all the new players as well, and try and help as much as I can off the pitch with that experience.*** ***“Hopefully, more silverware would be nice!”*** ## Setting the Standard for the Season Ahead With the dust settled on a frantic transfer window, Palace find themselves entering a crucial phase of the campaign. Pierre Sage has a squad brimming with new faces, youthful energy, and technical depth typified by recent arrivals like Zavier Gozo and Anan Khalaili. Yet, acquiring a seasoned winner of Chilwell’s caliber provides a vital anchor. His ability to maraud down the left flank, combine intelligently in the final third, and organize a defensive line under pressure will be central to how the Eagles approach their domestic and continental fixtures. For a player who tasted the absolute pinnacle of what this club could achieve during his loan spell, coming back permanently is a statement of intent. Ben Chilwell knows what it takes to win at Selhurst Park, and if his second chapter matches the magic of his first, the Palace supporters are in for another unforgettable ride.