Abraham has no regret quitting Chelsea

Roma star Tammy Abraham opened up about his life in Italy, how it felt to leave the Premier League for Serie A and what he hopes for in his future.

The 25-year-old Englishman left his boyhood club Chelsea for Roma in the summer of 2021, moving in a deal worth around €41m.

He shined in his debut season, scoring 27 goals in 53 games across all competitions, but things have been a little more difficult this campaign.

Abraham has only netted nine goals in 49 appearances this season and is rumoured to be wanted by a handful of Premier League clubs in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Speaking to SMW via TMW, Abraham first reflected on his move to Roma and how he initially felt living in the Italian capital.

“It was an interesting experience, certainly different from life at home. Of course, I had to adapt quickly and sometimes I miss hearing the English language. It is good to learn different cultures and languages, to enjoy a new lifestyle.

“I should probably know more than I do but it’s going well. The fans and people at the club made me feel at home from the first day I arrived. The welcome was supposed to be at a private airport, but there were too many fans there: they were chanting my name, they were very happy to see me.

“From that moment I knew it was the right place for me. They are very passionate and want the team to do well, they support you even if you don’t do well. I think they could see how much effort I put into the game, and I think that’s why they appreciate me, my hunger and my desire to win.

“I haven’t been here long, moving to Rome is something I will look back on and say I had a great time in my life being in a different part of the world and discovering new things. It’s been incredible, sometimes tough, but so far fun.”

He gave his thoughts on the city of Rome and his life in the city.

“I always loved history, even at school. I knew the Colosseum and seeing it in person was crazy. You should have seen my face when I was there, I couldn’t stop smiling. I love learning about the history of cities and Rome is one of the best places in the world for that.

“To be honest, the lifestyle surprised me. I knew Italians loved their food, but when you are here you realise, they are on a different level. You can go to any restaurant in town, and they will give you the best food you have ever eaten.

“They take care and time in everything they do, which is something I have come to love about Rome and its people.”

The English striker touched on how it felt to lift the Europa Conference League last season.

“Winning a European trophy in my first year at Roma was incredible, to be honest I don’t think anyone expected it. From the moment I arrived, I said I wanted to win a trophy with Roma, it hadn’t happened for many years and at that point many people didn’t believe it was possible anymore.

“I think coming here gave strength to the guys, they saw how hungry I was. Even in training I always want to win, I always want the best for my team and for myself.”

He remembered his departure from Chelsea.

“Just before I left Chelsea, Tomori went to Milan and we talked a lot. I remember the phone calls, neither of us could believe what was happening. We had been at Chelsea for our whole lives and at one moment we were leaving.

“Everything I knew about Chelsea apart from a few loan transfers, but I still think that was the right time to leave. I was ready to take a step forward in my career. I didn’t want to be considered a youngster or a footballer who came from the Academy, for me it was time to spread my wings.

“I still talk to many Chelsea players, James always tells me to come back…. We grew up together as a group and have known each other for years. Players like Mount, Rice and Nketiah grew up with me in the same environment.

“We’ve played tournaments, travelled together – it’s special to see them grow and how far we’ve come. We took different paths, but we still share those memories.”

Finally, Abraham looked ahead to his future and what lies next.

“I’m expecting a baby and that’s the most important thing, then I’ll think about where to go this summer, America is always in my head but we’ll probably choose more of a family-friendly place for the baby to come.

“This could be the best year of my life so far and I want to make it a reality. It would be great to win something again with Roma and when my son is born who knows what the future will hold.”