Super Eagles’ right-back Ola Aina has revealed his enduring love for Chelsea, despite departing the club five years ago due to limited playing time.

A product of Chelsea’s esteemed Cobham Academy, Aina rose through the ranks, excelling in the U18s, U19s, and U21s before making his mark in the first team.

Reflecting on his time at Chelsea, Aina reminisced about his contributions to the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League triumphs, as well as his brief stint in the first team.

Despite his departure and subsequent successful career in Italy with Torino, Aina maintains his support for Chelsea and believes the club will overcome its recent challenges.

In a recent interview with The Guardian UK, Aina expressed his sentiments: “I still support them after being there for so many years… this is a new era, and it’s not always easy to maintain that level of success.”

Before pursuing a career in football, Aina showcased his athleticism as a long jumper, earning accolades including a gold medal while representing Essex in 2011.

While football remained his primary focus, Aina’s versatility extended to other sports, including rugby and long jump, where he achieved notable success at the English schools level.

However, Aina’s affection for Chelsea will be set aside as he prepares to face his former club with Nottingham Forest, emphasizing the competitive nature of professional football.

With Forest battling relegation, Aina’s commitment to securing a positive result against Chelsea underscores his dedication to his current club’s cause.