Trevoh Chalobah admitted it was difficult to leave Chelsea, the club he had been with since he was eight, for Como in the summer after a disappointing campaign last season.

The 27-year-old, who had spent almost two decades at Chelsea, left his boyhood club to join Como on a deal worth more than £30 million in the summer window.

It was very clear that Chelsea were going to reinforce their defence at that point, after an underwhelming campaign that saw them finish 10th in the Premier League, conceding 52 goals in the competition.

However, there was an argument that Chalobah, who made 31 league starts for the Blues in 2025/26, should not have been among the players moved on. After all, he was an academy graduate, and his versatility had proved useful since his first-team promotion in 2021.

Unfortunately, the same reasons also likely made Chalobah an easier asset to sell. Several clubs showed interest in the centre-back, and Chelsea could book pure profit from offloading an academy product.

Chalobah, who was under contract with Chelsea until 2028, did not necessarily need to agree to a transfer. But he did, albeit not without some regret.

“Definitely,” Chalobah responded to The Athletic when asked whether it was difficult to leave Chelsea.

“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.”

Obviously, Chalobah had already spent some time playing abroad when he was on loan at Lorient in France. The experience likely helped make his decision to leave England much easier. It was his loan spell at Lorient that convinced former Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel, who had seen the defender play against his Paris Saint-Germain side, to integrate him into the Chelsea first team.

Chalobah has now established himself as a regular starter for Como under Cesc Fabregas. He has already had eight appearances for the Italian side, seven of which were as a starter. Having Robert Sanchez, who is on a season-long loan at Como, around also certainly does not hurt in terms of adaptation.

Como have started their campaign relatively well, sitting fifth in the Serie A table and in position to retain their Champions League spot.

Chalobah would have been expected to start in Como’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Manchester United on Wednesday night if it were not for his recent injury. It would have been an opportunity to play against a familiar face on the pitch in Mason Mount. 

Mount left Chelsea to join Manchester United in the summer of 2023, three years earlier than Chalobah. However, the latter revealed that he has stayed in touch with his fellow Chelsea academy graduate.

“I’ve been talking to him about (the Champions League clash),” Chalobah explained. 

”I’ve played against him in the Premier League, but it’ll be good to see him again. 

“Massive game for us. United are a massive club. Our stadium is small but atmospheric. It’s right by the lake; it’s beautiful.”