Callum Hudson-Odoi Leaves Chelsea for Nottingham Forest in Search of Career Revival

Callum Hudson-Odoi has left Chelsea in search of a career revival, joining Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest. The 22-year-old winger came through the youth ranks and into the first team at Stamford Bridge but his progress at the club stalled and he spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen. Despite not having a future in the Blues first team, he still says it was a tough choice to leave his boyhood club.

‘Chelsea has been my home for a very long time and knowing it was time to go was emotional,’ Huson-Odoi told The Telegraph. ‘It was difficult, we had conversations but I thought it was best if I leave. It was a mutual agreement, but I’d say it was more my decision.’

Cooper’s Influence on Hudson-Odoi’s Decision

Hudson-Odoi revealed that the chance to link up with his former boss Steve Cooper again looked to be the perfect opportunity. Cooper was manager of England Under-17s when they won the World Cup in 2017, with Hudson-Odoi a key player in that team. The winger said that Cooper’s influence on his decision was clear, as he understands players both on and off the pitch.

‘He definitely brought the best out of me with England. The big thing about him is how he understands players, on and off the pitch. He’s always making sure that you’re mentally right and comfortable, and free in what you do.’

Hudson-Odoi also revealed the piece of advice Cooper gave him when he called him up, the same tip he dished out when they worked together at England: ‘Don’t be boring! Take risks, don’t let anything hold you back and be yourself. Create problems every time you’re on the ball.’

Cooper’s Excitement for Hudson-Odoi’s Arrival

Forest boss Steve Cooper said of his summer signing: ‘I’ve got to say he has come in and he really has looked bright. I only have positive memories of Callum, but it’s been six years since the World Cup. He was a boy then and he’s turned into a young man and lots of things have changed in his life.

‘What hasn’t changed is the love for football and the love for doing well. Not just him, we’ve got lots of young players who need exactly the same support to make them feel like they can be at their best – but it’s not easy to do that. I just want to put them in an environment where they feel like they can be themselves.’

Hudson-Odoi Looking to Excel at Nottingham Forest

Hudson-Odoi is looking to kick-start his career at Nottingham Forest and is relishing the chance to be playing as much as possible. He said: ‘You want to have that freedom to do your stuff, whether it’s scoring or creating goals for the team. That’s what I want, to excite the crowd.’

The winger is hoping that his move to Nottingham Forest will help him revive his career and get back to his best form. With Steve Cooper’s influence and guidance, there’s no doubt that Callum Hudson-Odoi will be looking to make an impact at Nottingham Forest.