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Nathan Ake has no regrets about leaving Chelsea and why should he?

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth and Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth and Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, Nathan Ake has opened up about his decision to leave the champions over the summer.

In a frustrating deal for Chelsea fans, Nathan Ake opted to leave the Premier League winners for Bournemouth over the summer. The defender was taking a step down in club stature, but he was guaranteeing himself more time on the pitch. With the campaign well underway, Ake has no regrets about leaving Stamford Bridge.

"I have no regrets, no way. I am still 100 per cent happy with my decision…When I returned from loan I thought I’d get more chances to play. I had a few games, but I wanted to have that feeling of playing every week. It’s what I need at my age. – via Evening Standard"

Ake had been sent to Bournemouth to begin the 2016/17 season, but he was recalled midway through to provide defensive cover. The Dutchman went from regular football at the Vitality Stadium to bench-warming for Antonio Conte.

In the summer, Eddie Howe was willing to cough up £20 million for his services and Ake happily said his goodbyes. He has since started all nine league games for the Cherries – nine more than he would have enjoyed in West London.

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Ake says he has no regrets about his decision and there is little reason to believe otherwise. Now 22 years of age, the defender faced watching his bright career prospects fade away. Chelsea have developed a notorious reputation of killing the careers of young players and Ake rightfully saw his future elsewhere.

His move is one of a number of similar decisions being taken by youthful Blues. Dominic Solanke, for example, allowed his contract to expire while Nathaniel Chalobah forced a move to Watford. These youngsters have the potential to be Premier League stars, but they need regular football to live up to their billing.

At Stamford Bridge, that simply wouldn’t happen.

Bournemouth have not enjoyed the best of starts to the season, but they appear to have now found their feet. Howe’s side have lost just one of their last four competitive games, that being an impressive showing away at Tottenham.

With Chelsea travelling to the seaside, the Cherries will see an opportunity to capitalise on a wobbling opposition. Moreover, Ake will want to take his chance to show Antonio Conte why he is better than the Blues’ fragile defenders.

Next: Chelsea’s uninjured regulars return to predicted 3-4-3 vs. Bournemouth

Ake does not have any regrets about leaving because he shouldn’t have. It is now up to the Dutchman to prove why, sometimes, ditching the defending champions can be a great career move.

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