Callum Hudson-Odoi has reflected on making 100 appearances for Chelsea after reaching a century of games for the club.
Hudson-Odoi made his 100th appearance for the west London side during the 3-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend, with the 20-year-old having graduated from the club’s academy ranks before establishing himself in the senior side.
The winger says reaching the milestone is an ‘amazing feeling’ after dreaming of representing Chelsea whilst in the youth ranks, but says securing a positive result against Villa was ‘more important’ than his individual landmark.
“I got told a couple of times by my brother that I was pretty close,” he told the club website. “I didn’t know it was that game specifically so when I found out, it was a bit of a surprise but a happy feeling for me as well.
“I was buzzing about it but the fact we won on the day was more important. It was a good result but obviously making 100 appearances for this club is pretty special too.”
“It was a dream of mine to get the opportunity to play my first game for Chelsea, coming on against Newcastle, and 100 appearances later has just gone so quick,” he added.
“It’s a crazy feeling when you’re in the Academy and thinking about playing just one game for Chelsea, to see the atmosphere and how it is to play on the pitch.
“So to play 100 games for the club that you’ve wanted to play for from the beginning is an amazing feeling.”
Hudson-Odoi admitted the game against Villa proved difficult as the visitors matched Chelsea’s tactical approach at Stamford Bridge, but spoke of his delight at another win and clean sheet for Thomas Tuchel’s league leaders.
“They played the same formation as us so at times it was a bit difficult,” he reflected. “It was a game where it was more about being patient and waiting for the goals to come.
“They were defending very deep and at times it was difficult for us to make certain runs or get the ball into certain areas to penetrate them and be dangerous so it was a tough game.
“At the same time, we got the job done, got the 3-0 win and a clean sheet as well which was amazing. We did what we needed to do, it was a good game and I enjoyed it.”
