Nice’s Jérémie Boga has ‘no regrets’ about joining Chelsea at a young age

In an interview with Nice-Matin, Nice attacker Jérémie Boga (27) was asked about his experience at Chelsea as a youngster and if he had any regrets about joining the West London club. 

The Ivory Coast international joined the Premier League club when he was 12 in 2009 and came through the club’s academy at Cobham. Now at Nice, Boga had several loan moves during his time at Stamford Bridge and found opportunities in the first team limited despite impressive spells whilst out on loan. The 27-year-old only made one appearance for the Blues and played 18 minutes. 

Asked about if he had any regrets about joining Chelsea at such a young age, Boga said, “Yes, sure and certain. I learned a new language, discovered a culture, I progressed a lot too. It was the best choice for me and my family.” The former Atalanta forward added, “I only had it one chance and I came off after 20 minutes because of a defender being sent off. As we say, everything God does is good. It was his will. I gave everything I could to get my chance, it didn’t happen but I have no regrets.”

Fast-forward to today and Boga is enjoying some of his best football in Ligue 1. The Nice winger has been involved in 9 goals in the French top flight this season and has become a mainstay under Francesco Farioli since making the switch from Atalanta to the South of France. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith