Trevoh Chalobah has reflected on his 19-year association with Chelsea following his summer departure to Italian side Como, crediting club legend Thiago Silva for his guidance and revealing how the move has boosted his international prospects. The 27-year-old defender is preparing to win his fourth England cap when the Czech Republic visit Wembley on Tuesday night in the UEFA Nations League.
Chalobah joined Chelsea at the age of eight and left this summer after making 151 appearances and winning five trophies. He described his exit as the right moment for a new challenge. "I’m really happy with what I achieved," Chalobah said. "Everything has tested me. It is testament to my faith and how I’ve gone about things there." He now plays under Cesc Fàbregas at Como, where he has started five games this season, with three of those ending in victories.
His move to Serie A, which he called a very important addition to any player's CV, came as Chelsea handle a mixed start to the Premier League season. The club currently sits 10th in the table with seven points from five games, their recent form reading two wins, one draw and two defeats.
Silva's lasting influence
Chalobah remains in regular contact with Thiago Silva, the former Chelsea and Brazil centre-back now playing for Fluminense. "Thiago has been a person I have always looked up to," he said. Chalobah revealed he used to watch compilations of Silva's performances at AC Milan on YouTube while he was at school, and found it amazing to finally play alongside him at Stamford Bridge. The pair still talk frequently on social media, with Silva having attended a recent England match as a spectator.
The veteran defender offered Chalobah advice on handling various scenarios during their time together. This mentorship continues as Chalobah adapts to a more tactical style of football in Italy, contrasting it with the fast and physical nature of the Premier League. He has also been joined in Como by former Chelsea teammate Robert Sanchez, who arrived on loan late in the transfer window. Chalobah joked that the goalkeeper "didn’t want to leave me alone!"
England call-up secured
Chalobah's switch to Como is understood to have aided his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's England setup, where he is considered a permanent member of the group. He received a late call-up for the World Cup squad and made his debut in the third-place play-off against France. Now, with his club form solid, he is set to feature against the Czech Republic. Chalobah's immediate focus is on that international duty before returning to a Como side sitting comfortably in Serie A. His next task for England is at Wembley on Tuesday night.
This story first appeared at standard.co.uk
