Axel Disasi admits emotional struggle during Chelsea exile before West Ham revival

Axel Disasi has revealed how difficult his final months at Chelsea were before his loan move to West Ham, where he is now enjoying regular football and fresh confidence.

The 27-year-old defender was frozen out of the Blues squad and did not make a first-team appearance this season until February 7, shortly after joining the Hammers.

Speaking after helping West Ham reach the FA Cup quarter-finals with a penalty shootout win over Brentford, Disasi opened up on the mental toll of watching from home.

“If I say everything, maybe I will get into trouble, but it was tough. It was very tough to be watching every single week, every single weekend the games on the TV.”

“I was just working, waiting for my time and that’s why now I’m just enjoying because I know what it feels like to be in front of the TV and not on the pitch. I learned to be more patient, to stay professional, even if the circumstances were hard. I had the help of my family and they helped me a lot to stay in good shape.
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“I try to enjoy every moment because I know it’s not guaranteed,” he added, underlining how his Chelsea setback has reshaped his outlook on football.
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