Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has taken a light-hearted swipe at former teammate Noni Madueke, joking that former U.S. President Donald Trump pocketed Madueke’s Club World Cup medal and took it to the White House.

Cucurella made the remarks while speaking to Gerard Moreno, referencing Madueke’s absence from Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup final win over Paris Saint-Germain. The young winger had left the squad in the U.S. shortly after their semi-final win over Fluminense, flying back to London to complete a transfer to Arsenal.

While Madueke’s move to Arsenal has not yet been officially confirmed, his early departure meant he missed the final, where Chelsea thrashed PSG 3-0 to lift the trophy.

Cucurella, clearly still surprised by the decision, said:

“He [Trump] put it in his pocket. He has it there in the White House, very well placed.”
“I think he [Madueke] missed a good opportunity… It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait a couple more days.”

The Spaniard believes Madueke should have delayed his transfer slightly to be part of the historic victory and receive his Club World Cup medal.

Chelsea’s win was inspired by Cole Palmer, who scored two goals and provided an assist to lead the Blues to the trophy under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Madueke, who was born to Nigerian parents but plays for England, now faces criticism from some Chelsea fans for prioritizing his transfer over a chance to make history with the club.

As the jokes continue to fly, one thing is clear: Madueke’s medal is gone—and according to Cucurella, it’s now sitting pretty somewhere in the White House.