Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah says Chelsea is 'in the past' following England call-up

  • Nathaniel Chalobah is in line for his first England appearance against MaltaĀ 
  • Chalobah has already played more Premier League minutes than last season
  • Midfielder has been rewarded for his good form with a first senior call upĀ Ā 

Nathaniel Chalobah holds no grudges against former club Chelsea, despite having to leave Stamford Bridge to win his first England senior call-up.

Chalobah swapped Chelsea for Watford in the summer for Ā£5million and has been rewarded for his impressive form with his new club with a call-up to Gareth Southgate's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.

'Everyone knows Chelsea is very difficult,' he said at a press conference.

Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah has been called up to the England squad this month

Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah has been called up to the England squad this month

Chalobah has impressed during three Premier League appearances for the Hornets this term

Chalobah has impressed during three Premier League appearances for the Hornets this term

'Chelsea is a world-class club with world-class players, it was difficult for me to get in the team. It was a difficult decision.


'I'm grateful for the opportunities Chelsea gave me. As always I tried to stay focused and concentrated. Chelsea is in the past now.'Ā 

Pushed on whether he got enough of an opportunity to prove himself in west London, Chalobah added: 'There's a lot of pressure on winning games and sometimes to chuck a youngster in is not an easy decision for the manager.Ā 

'But I felt I gave my best when I was there. Now I've moved to Watford I've got the opportunity to try to showcase myself.'Ā 

Chalobah was sent out on loan six times during his time at Stamford Bridge ā€“ taking in Watford, Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading and Serie A giants Napoli.Ā 

The 22-year-old is settled at Watford after years of loan exits with Chelsea ended with a move

The 22-year-old isĀ settled at Watford after years of loan exits with Chelsea ended with a move

Chalobah failed to have an impact with Chelsea making mainly substitute appearance

Chalobah failed to have an impact with Chelsea making mainly substitute appearance

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