Chelsea have a reputation of signing some of the most talented youngsters in the world and loaning them out. Most of the players thrive on their loan spells, but rarely ever break into the first team.

Bertrand Traore is no different. Perhaps one of the hottest prospects at Chelsea a few seasons ago, the 21-year-old striker has recently made an £8m move to Lyon after having only made 16 appearances for the Blues.

The striker would probably make it into any of the Premier League’s first team squads, but clearly Chelsea did not see any potential in the forward. For this, Traore has aimed a slight dig at his former club due to his sheer lack of first-team opportunities, despite being so highly rated and impressing when given a chance.

“It was time. Considering my age and for my development, it was time for me to leave the club.” Traore said.

“I could have stayed at Chelsea and played a few minutes in every game, fighting every day for a spot, knowing that I’ll never get a spot, I trained at the club, I did everything.”

“Two seasons ago, I challenged the starters but we all know what happened last year. I was there during pre-season and then I was sent out on loan.”

“So this year, I did not want to re-live the same scenario. It was time for me to find a stable club where I could play first-team football, where I could be one of the key players in the team.”

It is a shame that things didn’t work out so well for Traore, but it is a brave move by the forward who clearly just wants to better his career prospects by seeking regular first team football.