Abraham explains why he chose Roma as Chelsea pay tribute upon exit
Tammy Abraham has bid farewell to Chelsea after completing a €40m transfer to Roma on a five-year contract, ending any prospect of a move to Arsenal.
Abraham came through the academy ranks at Chelsea and spent the last two seasons as a first-team player after some positive loan spells elsewhere. However, his chances faded under Thomas Tuchel. After the addition of Romelu Lukaku, the idea of an exit became a strong possibility.
Jose Mourinho’s Roma emerged as suitors when it became clear they would be losing ex-Manchester City man Edin Dzeko. Abraham was initially waiting to see if Arsenal would make a bid for him, but Chelsea did not want to sell to a rival.
Thus, they struck a deal with Roma, who have now completed his signing for a fee of €40m. Chelsea could also be due add-ons and a percentage of a future sale. There has been talk of a buyback clause, but neither club mention it in their announcements.
Abraham is now embarking on a new challenge in Serie A, where he will become a teammate of fellow Englishman Chris Smalling, among a few other familiar faces.
Thank you, @tammyabraham. pic.twitter.com/iqXLMnTe2B
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 17, 2021
Even so, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said Abraham would always be a part of Blues folklore.
“Tammy will always be welcomed back at Stamford Bridge as one of our own,” she said. “We have all enjoyed watching his progress through our Academy and into the first-team squad, and are grateful for his contribution to our successes at senior and youth level.
“His many goals in a Chelsea shirt and, of course, his part in our Champions League triumph last season will never be forgotten. I’m sure all Chelsea supporters will join me in wishing Tammy a long and successful career.”
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Abraham explains Roma transfer
Abraham scored a total of 30 goals in 82 appearances for Chelsea and has six caps for England.
Now, he is leaving his home country for the first time in his career, but is confident he is making the right move.
Roma’s new number nine told their club website: “You can sense when a club really wants you – and Roma made their interest clear immediately.
“Roma is a club that deserves to be fighting for titles and trophies. I’ve had the experience of winning major trophies and I want to be in those competitions again. So I want to help this team to achieve that and get to the level where Roma should be.
“It’s a massive honour to be the No. 9 at this club and I just can’t wait to get started and to help the team.”
READ MORE: Lukaku reveals Tuchel demands; outlines influence of Chelsea legend Drogba
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