‘Emotional’: Player who left Chelsea this summer says it was difficult to say goodbye

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Callum Hudson-Odoi says it was hard to leave Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, who came through the Chelsea academy, left the Blues for Nottingham Forest on deadline day and has told The Telegraph departing Stamford Bridge was not an easy decision.

Speaking to the newspaper, the winger said: “Chelsea has been my home for a very long time and knowing it was time to go was emotional. 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.”

The 22-year-old spent last season out on loan at Bayer Leverkusen but did not have the best time in the Bundesliga.

In total, he made just 14 appearances in German football’s top division and failed to score a single goal.

Callum Hudson-Odoi can thrive at Nottingham Forest

Things did not got to plan for Hudson-Odoi at Leverkusen and he was never quite able to hold down a place at Chelsea, but it would not be a shock to see him excel at Forest now.

The England international obviously has talent and is quite a tricky wide man.

“He is similar to Eden Hazard in the way that he can beat players from a standing start,” former Chelsea player Tony Cascarino wrote in a Times column after Hudson-Odoi first broke onto the scene.

He has also worked with Steve Cooper before in the England U17 set-up, so perhaps the Forest manager will be able to unlock the winger’s full potential.

As for Chelsea, they have clearly moved on from Hudson-Odoi, bringing in Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer, who all play in attacking positions.

You would have to question, however, if any of those players are actually upgrades on their former wide man. Whatever the case, both parties decided it was best to go their separate ways.