Trevoh Chalobah opens up on painful Chelsea exit after 19 years at Stamford Bridge

Como defender Trevoh Chalobah has admitted leaving Chelsea was difficult to accept after spending 19 years at the club, revealing that he had hoped to become a legend at Stamford Bridge.

The 27-year-old ended his long association with the Blues in the summer, joining Cesc Fabregas’ Como in a reported £30 million transfer after a period of uncertainty over his future in west London.

Despite the move marking a new chapter in his career, Chalobah remains emotionally attached to the club where he began his football journey at the age of eight.

Speaking to The Athletic, the defender reflected on his departure, explaining that he believed he had delivered one of his best seasons for Chelsea before leaving.

“Definitely,” he reflected. “The team didn’t achieve what we wanted to achieve last season, but I thought I had one of my best seasons, playing the most games and scoring a few goals.

“I’d been there since I was eight and I wanted to be a legend there, but sometimes the way we plan things is not how things work out.”

Chalobah admits Chelsea departure was difficult

Chalobah’s exit followed several seasons in which his future at Chelsea remained uncertain. He joined Crystal Palace on loan in 2024 but returned to Stamford Bridge after just six months.

Although his eventual departure had appeared increasingly likely, the defender acknowledged that leaving a club where he had spent most of his life was not an easy decision to process.

His comments also highlight the personal disappointment of departing after what he considered one of his strongest individual campaigns, even as Chelsea fell short of their collective ambitions.

Chalobah, however, understands the unpredictable nature of professional football and believes players must be prepared to adapt when circumstances change.

“As footballers, you’ve always got to be ready to adapt. You could be here one moment, then the next moment you’re somewhere else. But I just thought that it was the best.”

The defender’s decision to join Como offers him an opportunity to establish himself in a new environment after years of trying to secure a long-term place in Chelsea’s plans.

‘Chelsea means everything to me’

Despite moving on, Chalobah insists his connection with Chelsea remains strong, with the defender continuing to follow the club and maintain relationships with people at Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea means everything to me. I’m still watching the games, keeping in contact with the players and staff.”

His words underline the enduring bond between the defender and the club that developed him from the age of eight and gave him the platform to build his professional career.

While his departure closes a significant chapter, Chalobah’s affection for Chelsea has not diminished, even as he begins a fresh challenge in Italy.

Como move opens a new chapter

Chalobah joined Como under Fabregas as the Italian club continues to build its squad and ambitions. The reported £30 million transfer represents a major change for the defender after nearly two decades associated with Chelsea.

He was, however, absent from Como’s memorable 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United on Wednesday, October 21, because of a muscle injury.

The setback meant Chalobah could not feature in a notable result for his new club, but his move to Italy still presents an opportunity to move forward after a difficult summer departure.

For the defender, the challenge now is to make his mark at Como while maintaining the connection to Chelsea that has shaped much of his footballing life.