Liam Delap says Chelsea departure can help revive his career

Liam Delap believes leaving Chelsea for Nottingham Forest could prove beneficial to his development, with the England striker insisting he remains young and has plenty of time to improve.

Delap ended his time at Chelsea by signing a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest. The move followed a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, during which his form was affected by a period of decline and repeated physical problems.

The 22-year-old scored only once in 28 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season, a return that fell well short of expectations.

Speaking to The Athletic about his decision to leave Chelsea, Delap said: “Sometimes you have to accept that things might go badly, and that some things happen. Maybe, in the end, that can be a good thing.”

The striker said two early loan spells had also played an important part in his development, despite neither experience initially going as planned.

“My first two loan spells at Stoke City and Preston did not go well, but they were two of the best things that happened to me,” he said. “I learned a lot from both experiences.”

Delap also rejected the idea that setbacks had damaged his long-term prospects.

“I am still young and I still have a lot to learn,” he added. “I do not think anything has been lost. You go through difficult periods, and your journey will never be linear or move in just one direction on the way to the top.”

The forward said his time at Ipswich Town had shown him the level he could reach when he was confident and performing consistently.

“At Ipswich Town, I got into a really good rhythm and found a great connection with the team, so now I am focused on getting back to that level,” Delap said.

He also suggested that maintaining perspective had helped him deal with the pressure surrounding his first season at Chelsea.

“Some people think about things too much,” he said. “I have always been someone who does not get caught up in those things.”

Delap added: “I am mentally strong and I surround myself with good people. You just have to stay focused and keep moving forward.”

Nottingham Forest began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Leeds, before drawing 2-2 with Liverpool in their second match.

They are preparing to face Tottenham on Saturday in the third round of the Premier League, with Delap hoping his move can provide a fresh start after a challenging spell at Chelsea.

The forward’s comments underline his belief that difficult periods are part of a footballer’s development rather than evidence that a career has gone off course. Having already experienced setbacks during his loan spells and his first season at Chelsea, Delap says he is concentrating on regaining the form and consistency he showed at Ipswich Town.