Ghanaian winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed the challenging choice he faced when deciding to depart from Chelsea during the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who had spent the previous season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, completed a last-minute move to Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day, thus concluding his 16-year association with Chelsea.
Hudson-Odoi emphasised that leaving Chelsea was a momentous decision, one laden with substantial emotional significance. He acknowledged that he instigated the move, understanding that his prospects for regular playing time at Chelsea were expected to be limited.
“Chelsea has been my home for a very long time, and knowing it was time to go was emotional,” Hudson-Odoi shared in an interview with The Telegraph.
“It was difficult; we had conversations, but I thought it was best if I leave. It was a mutual agreement, but I’d say it was more my decision.
“Forest is the right place for me to excel in my football and do more than I probably could at Chelsea. I want to be playing as much as possible,” he added.
Hudson-Odoi is on the verge of making his debut for Nottingham Forest, as the East Midlands club is scheduled to take on Burnley in the Premier League on Monday night.
This move from Chelsea represents a new phase in his career, and he is enthusiastic about seizing the fresh opportunities that await him at Forest.