Ryan Bertrand has been talking about his Chelsea departure, stating that he wanted to show people just how good a player he could be.
Ryan Bertrand left Chelsea permanently in 2015, having started and won a Champions League final. In an interview with The Times, the fullback reveals that the lack of consistent first-team opportunities was the reason behind his exit. To his credit, he has only thrived since.
Bertrand had been on Chelsea’s books for nearly a decade when he turned his Southampton loan deal into a transfer. He admitted it was hard to sever ties with the Blues, but it was necessary for his career.
"It was hard leaving Chelsea because I was there from 15, and I’d done a lot of things at that club, but at the same time it wasn’t that hard. I wanted to show people who I am. I wanted consistent opportunity. I couldn’t wait to get started."
Since his departure, Bertrand has gone from strength to strength and currently is one of the Premier League’s best defenders. The left-back has worked his way into the England team and consistently finds himself linked with moves to supposed bigger clubs.
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During his time with Chelsea, Bertrand was sent to seven different clubs for loan spells. Among those, he managed to cobble together 57 competitive appearances for his home club.
Roberto Di Matteo took a liking to the youngster, giving him plenty of game time off the bench. However, he was not in the plans of Di Matteo’s successors and he was sent out on loan again by the start of 2014.
At the start of the 2014/15 campaign, Bertrand’s career started to head in the right direction. Southampton came calling and within six months the loan had been transformed into a £10 million move.
In just two and a half seasons, the Englishman has far surpassed his Chelsea appearance tally. Furthermore, his performances have seen him be named in a PFA Team of the Year.
Given his success, Bertrand should be an example to other Chelsea youngsters that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many young Blues are currently enduring the loan merry-go-round that Bertrand experienced a few years ago. Most of them will not make the Chelsea first team.
However, there is still a chance that they can make something out of their career when they inevitably leave. If they work hard and take whatever small opportunity comes their way, they can fulfill their potential.
For Bertrand, though, let’s hope he can continue on his steep upwards trajectory.