Christopher Nkunku reveals what he 'loved' about Chelsea debut as Liverpool star sends message

Christopher Nkunku has thanked Chelsea supporters for his 'warm welcome' to Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old forward, who joined the Blues from RB Leipzig in the summer, finally made his competitive debut for the club against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night.

He replaced Nicolas Jackson halfway into the second-half and helped Chelsea find a late equaliser in the dying embers of the clash. While Nkunku couldn't find the net before the final whistle, the France international did play his part in a tense penalty shootout and scored the west Londoners' third from 12-yards.

Mykhailo Mudryk proceeded to bury Chelsea's fourth and final of the shootout before Djordje Petrovic denied Matt Richie to book a place in the semi-final draw. Stamford Bridge erupted into pandemonium and the Blues did a lap of honour, thanking the home fans for their support.

Nkunku was one of several Chelsea players to be serenaded following the final whistle and, after the game, he marked his debut with a celebratory post on Instagram. The Frenchman wrote: «The best way to meet you guys for the first time at the bridge [shooting star emoji]. Thanks for the warm welcome [blue love heart emoji]. Can’t wait for more.»

In just a couple of hours, Nkunku's post racked up nearly a quarter of a million likes and thousands of comments from fans. The likes of John Terry, Reece James and even Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai showed their support for the Blues ace, sending heart emojis – among other messages too.

Speaking to reporters after the victory against Newcastle, Mauricio Pochettino offered his verdict on what was a big night for Nkunku. The Chelsea boss said: «We are talking about players that are young, players that