Nkunku returns to Leipzig with leadership role and France ambitions
The French forward is mentoring a younger RB Leipzig squad after difficult spells at Chelsea and Milan.
Christopher Nkunku has returned to RB Leipzig on loan, taking on a leadership role as the club prepares for Champions League football after a summer of change.
Nkunku previously won Bundesliga player-of-the-year honours, a Golden Boot and two DFB-Pokal titles during his first spell at Leipzig. He has begun his return with one goal and two assists.
The 27-year-old is adapting to a changed squad while trying to pass on the guidance he received from senior players earlier in his career. Leipzig’s leadership group has also shifted, with Yan Diomande reported to have left for Real Madrid and Peter Gulacsi moving to Villarreal.
Nkunku described his move to Chelsea as poorly timed and said Milan’s more defensive style did not suit him. Those experiences now form part of what he can offer a young Leipzig squad, including players facing Champions League football.
Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer said Nkunku’s character, attitude, behaviour and willingness to work influenced the decision to bring him back. Nkunku said he is working to understand his teammates and grow into the demands of leadership.
His aims extend beyond Leipzig. Nkunku wants to help the club in the Champions League and hopes to return to the French national team under manager Zinedine Zidane. The available material does not confirm whether his loan will become permanent.
