Chelsea's Ugbo explains why he snubbed English clubs

Ike Ugbo -

Friday Sep 06, 2019. 08:00

Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo has disclosed that he snubbed English clubs and joined Dutch side Roda JC.

The 20-year-old marksman, who is of Nigerian descent, rejected unnamed clubs during the recent transfer window before moving to the Netherlands.

However, the former England under-17 international decided to join Roda on a season-long loan deal.

”When Roda JC presented himself, we decided to ignore the interest of English clubs and move towards a transfer to the Netherlands,” Ugbo said.

”Dutch football is more tactical and more technology-oriented than the lower divisions in England. On the internet, I searched for information about Roda JC and I saw a beautiful, large and filled stadium.”

”I was immediately impressed, but the decisive answer was the telephone call from Jean-Paul de Jong,” he added.

”I was still in London when the coach called me. He mentioned my strengths and stated the position he had in mind for me. There was a lot of confidence in that.

”I immediately had a good feeling and greatly appreciated how he approached me. Never before had I had such a personal conversation with a coach,” he said.

”Although I had several options, I informed my agent that I only wanted to go to Roda JC.”