Callum Hudson-Odoi prepares to sign new Chelsea contract as he declares: ‘It’s the boyhood club I’ve always loved – now I just want to keep going’
- Callum Hudson-Odoi broke into the first team last season under Maurizio Sarri
- The 18-year-old winger was heavily linked with Bayern Munich in January
- He is currently out with an injury to his Achilles tendon suffered in April
- Frank Lampard confirmed Hudson-Odoi will be available after the internationals
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has spoken about his love for the club as a new contract looms nearer.
Hudson-Odoi, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury, said he was ‘fulfilling a dream’ playing for Chelsea, after photos emerged this week of him as a 13-year-old ballboy at Stamford Bridge.
The youngster was embraced by Samuel Eto’o after the striker scored his hat-trick goal against Manchester United in January 2014.
Callum Hudson-Odoi made his debut for Chelsea in January 2018 against Newcastle United
Samuel Eto’o celebrates with a 13-year-old Hudson-Odoi after a goal in 2014
Speaking of the moment, Hudson-Odoi told the official Chelsea website: ‘I remember him scoring a hat-trick and the third goal was near where I was sitting in the corner.
‘He came over to celebrate. Obviously I was happy for the team because they’d won and for him as well.
‘When he started celebrating, I was delighted and he just saw me, came over and held my hand. For a young boy seeing a professional footballer coming to do that for you, it was crazy. I was smiling so much.’
Now, over five years later, Hudson-Odoi is a star name on the pitch and living the dream.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is back in training as the Blues prepare to play Norwich on Saturday
The teenager made his international debut for England in March against the Czech Republic
He said: ‘You dream of being a professional as a kid, especially at the club I’ve now been at for so long. You think, “Can I become like him or at least get to the top where he is?” and I’m now fulfilling that dream.
‘It’s the boyhood club I’ve always loved and played for, so I’ve always felt that that dream is there. Now I just want to carry on and keep going.’
The 18-year-old also reiterated he is close to full fitness, but is unlikely to make the two Premier League matches before the international break.
He said: ‘I’m back in full training with the squad so everything’s good. It’s now about getting back to match fitness and hopefully I’ll be back on the pitch soon.’
