One of Chelsea’s summer departures has admitted his exit was difficult to process after being sold despite ‘wanting to be a legend’ at the club.

The Blues raised nearly €450 million through the permanent sales of ten first team players during the summer, one of whom was Trevoh Chalobah, who joined Serie A side Como for €30m.

Chalobah had come through Chelsea’s academy but, despite making more appearances for the club than he had done in any previous single season, the 27-year-old was moved on, much to his disappointment.

When asked by The Athletic if his exit had been difficult, Chalobah replied: “Definitely. 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. 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.

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

Chalobah reveals Fabregas influence in leaving Chelsea for Como

Chalobah played more than 150 games for Chelsea in all competitions but the England international was never truly considered an indispensable part of the first team even with his increase in game time.

The defender didn’t make his senior Premier League debut for Chelsea until the age of 22 and he had numerous loan spells away, while also coming close to leaving the club on multiple occasions.

Chelsea had looked to cash in on Chalobah due to his sale counting as pure profit for their books and Como, managed by former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas, eventually won the race for his signature after much speculation.

“The manager reached out to me over the summer and explained the project and where he saw me playing,” Chalobah said. “I read about the rise of Como, how exciting the team is.

“He really wanted me and my experience. That felt good and it was time for a change. As a footballer, it’s good to experience different things and it was an easy decision to come abroad again. I like Italy as well. I go on holiday there a lot.”

Chalobah has since started six of Como’s seven Serie A matches this season and the centre-back will likely feature for the Italian side in their Champions League match against Manchester United on Wednesday.