The three seasons Kai Havertz spent at Chelsea yielded dramatic goals. There was his penalty deep into extra time that won the FIFA Club World Cup final. Last season served up a left-footed strike into the top corner against Salzburg in the Champions League that ended their long unbeaten home run and sent the Blues into the knockout stages. In the Premier League there have been quality late winners against Newcastle and West Ham, not to mention his Chelsea Goal of the Month at Leicester in March.

However, for significance, no goal for the club by Kai comes close the one that decided the 2021 Champions League final in Porto. As we say goodbye to the German attacker with his transfer to Arsenal today, we recall what Havertz had to say about the strike, scored late in the first half against Manchester City, that brought the famous trophy to Stamford Bridge for a second time…

Ahead of the game…

‘There were days filled with anticipation,’ he began, ‘but at the same time nervousness because that was the biggest and most important day of the year for football. It's not possible to shut down completely, although we tried to get distracted and fill our heads with other things, but in the back of our minds the game was always there. I, personally, did not sleep well.

Fans were allowed to attend following Covid restrictions…

‘On the way to the stadium, we could feel [the atmosphere]. The city was either blue or light blue for Manchester City: that's why it was very special. When we got out into the stadium, before the game, it was an amazing feeling to see the fans again. We looked at their faces, and we could see that for them it was amazing to be back again and supporting their team, and this gave us extra strength.’

The goal…

‘There are no words to describe all the emotions. Scoring goals is the best moment for a football player because you sense the feelings of the fans, and you know how people sat watching at home on TV feel too. People who know you too, you know they'll be delighted for you, so in such a game the emotions are incredible. It was just amazing to score that goal.

‘I am usually associated with the deciding goal, but for me it was more about being able to hold the cup in my hands. It was something very surreal. I couldn't really believe it and that's why I wasn't that emotional. It was only after a few days when I realised, "Amazing, you made it!"’

‘It's something that will be with me forever. I'll never forget what I achieved that year.’