Trevoh Chalobah has said he regrets the way his Chelsea career ended, and that his ambition had been to become a “legend” at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea decided the defender was surplus to requirements in the summer and sold him to the Italian club Como for £30 million.
The 27-year-old won two Club World Cups during his time with the Blues.
Chalobah told The Athletic: “The team didn’t achieve what we wanted to achieve last season, but I thought I had one of my best seasons, playing the most games and scoring a few goals.
“I’d been there since I was eight and I wanted to be a legend there, but sometimes the way we plan things is not how things work out.
“As footballers, you’ve always got to be ready to adapt. You could be here one moment, then the next moment you’re somewhere else.
“But I just thought that it was the best. Chelsea means everything to me. I’m still watching the games, keeping in contact with the players and staff.”
Chalobah came through the Chelsea academy, joining the club at the age of eight, and went on to make more than 150 appearances for the first team.
His honours there also included an FA Cup and the Conference League.
His spell in west London came to an end when Como came calling, with the club managed by Cesc Fabregas, the former Chelsea midfielder.
“The manager reached out to me over the summer and explained the project and where he saw me playing,” added the England international. “I read about the rise of Como, how exciting the team is. He really wanted me and my experience. That felt good and it was time for a change.
“As a footballer, it’s good to experience different things and it was an easy decision to come abroad again. The football is amazing. The manager we have is great.”
Como finished fourth in Serie A last season to secure Champions League qualification for the first time. They are due to play Manchester United on Wednesday evening, with Michael Carrick’s side in desperate need of three points after a six-game winless run.