Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi concedes he’s relieved that Thomas Tuchel blocked him from leaving the club last summer after tasting victory in the Club World Cup on Saturday.
Hudson-Odoi provided the cross from Romelu Lukaku’s opening goal during the 2-1 win against Palmeiras in Dubai, helping Chelsea to complete a full set of trophies since Roman Abramovich took over the London club in 2003.
But, had Hudson-Odoi got his way he likely would have been watching the game from afar as the England star was keen on leaving Stamford Bridge last summer.
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Hudson-Odoi was unhappy with a lack of minutes under Tuchel and Dortmund were interested in his signature, either on a loan or permanently.
But Tuchel wanted to keep the winger, feeling that he had a part to play in west London this campaign.
And, after the club’s win in the final, Hudson-Odoi admits he’s relieved he didn’t leave.
‘Big trophies like this are games you want to be involved in with a club like this,’ said Hudson-Odoi.
‘Big games, big trophies, you want to win as much as possible with a club like this. Our aim is always to win games and win as many as possible. ‘When we get the opportunity we keep pushing.
‘If I went out in the summer I wouldn’t get opportunities to play like this and enjoy the games and win trophies. So I’m really delighted that I stayed and obviously I got the opportunity to play.’
Chelsea continue their domestic campaign against Crystal Palace on Saturday as they look to secure a top-four spot.
Rivals such as Manchester United and Tottenham have both dropped points during Chelsea’s absence and they remain in third place, with a six-point cushion on West Ham in fourth.
