‘One of the first things’: Tammy Abraham shares the cheeky reason Mourinho gave him to leave Chelsea
Tammy Abraham revealed that one of the ultimatums Jose Mourinho used to lure him away from Chelsea over the summer involved the climate.
Speaking to Sky Italia after scoring in Roma’s 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Lecce last night, the England international said Mourinho asked him to pick between English cloud or Italian blue skies when deciding upon his future.
All going well for Abraham
Right now, Abraham must be grateful for swapping South West London drizzle for Roman rays.
The striker has scored 15 times in all competitions, including the one he bagged against Lecce, since parting ways with his boyhood club.
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Although Roma’s general form has been patchy, to say the least, their centre-forward remains a consistent threat.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been drowned by a downpour of soggy results, sunk by a wave of injuries, and submerged by a regrettable interview.
Thomas Tuchel’s team drew for a fifth time in seven Premier League fixtures away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday.
This, combined with the defeat to Manchester City last weekend, has decimated and disintegrated their title challenge.
Mourinho makes a case for the weather
In hindsight, Abraham must feel he got out at just the right time, made easier by Mourinho’s powers of persuasion.
“Of course, the coach was a great help in getting me to come here,” said the 24-year-old.
“One of the first things he said to me was: ‘Do you want to stay in England with the rain or come to Rome with the sun?’
“An honor to work with him, he has won everything and I want to win too, the Italian Cup can be the opportunity.”
There are still trophies to be obtained
Whilst the Coppa Italia is Roma’s best and probably only chance at silverware this season, Chelsea are still fighting on four fronts, despite their league woes.
They found out the name of their Carabao Cup final opponent yesterday, as Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates.
Tuchel’s side could also reach the FA Cup showpiece event for a second successive term, with Plymouth Argyle their next adversary.
Then there’s the matter of defending their Champions League crown, which begins almost a month today at home to Lille.
Stamford Bridge might not be basking in the sunshine at the moment, but a silver lining is surely just over the horizon.
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