Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara says he has moved on from the collapse of his £47.1m transfer to Chelsea and is now fully focused on the Ligue 1 campaign.
The 22-year-old had completed his medical, but the deal broke down shortly before the transfer window closed.
Chelsea had seen two offers rejected before Monaco reduced their asking price during a chaotic final phase of the window, when Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton appeared uncertain.
However, once Balogun’s transfer looked set to proceed, Monaco reconsidered selling Camara. Ultimately, both players remained with the French club.
“There was a possibility I could leave,” Camara said ahead of Monaco’s match against Strasbourg on Saturday.
“It did not go through at the last minute, and that is part of football. I have turned the page and am focusing on the season.”
Reports in France had suggested Monaco needed to complete a major sale this summer and were more inclined to sell Balogun. A source at the Ligue 1 club had also previously said it would take a “substantial fee” to secure Camara’s departure.
Monaco began the season with three wins from their first three Ligue 1 matches and headed into the weekend second in the table behind Rennes, with a game in hand.
“I can help the team a lot,” said the Senegal international.
“Football moves quickly. Maybe other opportunities will come along, but for now I am staying focused on the season with Monaco.”