Breaking: Callum Hudson-Odoi unveils ambitious goals at Nottingham Forest following Chelsea departure

Callum Hudson-Odoi is determined to score 10 goals and register 10 assists in the Premier League this season, aiming to demonstrate his return to the impressive levels he achieved during his teenage years at Chelsea and with the national team. Over the past year, the 22-year-old has played for three clubs in two countries.

But in a We News exclusive interview, where the winger invited senior reporter Rob Dorsett to accompany him on his search for a new home, Hudson-Odoi expresses his strong sense of belonging in Nottingham and his unwavering determination to showcase his full potential to the fans.

Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest

Saturday 7th October 5:00pm

Kick off 5:30pm

"Ooh, this is nice!" coos Hudson-Odoi, as he is shown around the luxurious master bedroom suite of what could be his new Nottingham home.

The spacious dressing room of the newly built five-bedroom house boasts ample storage for a remarkable collection of 50 shoe sets. However, this isn't sufficient for the ambitious new addition to the Forest team.

"With a chuckle, he proudly declares, "I actually own hundreds of trainers! But fear not, we have additional shoe racks conveniently situated behind the door. We're all set!"

The 22-year-old is in urgent need of a place to call home, both in a literal and figurative sense.

"I've endured three long weeks in a hotel," he explains. "Living under constant scrutiny while entering and leaving is far from ideal for finding peace. Therefore, I have been actively searching for a conducive living space."

Forest has arranged a lovely house for him, situated just a mere 15-minute commute from the training ground, serving as a temporary solution until he acquires a place of his own. Yet for Hudson-Odoi, his desire extends beyond transience. He yearns for enduring stability.

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Hudson-Odoi made 126 appearances for Chelsea

After 16 long years at Chelsea, starting from the tender age of six, and a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, he confesses that transitioning to a new chapter has proven to be quite challenging.

Remarkably, even at such a young age, he showcased his talent on 126 occasions while representing Chelsea.

"It was a challenging experience," he concedes. "No matter what, Chelsea will forever hold a special place in my heart. They provided me with the foundation to begin, it is the place I considered my home for 16 years. They granted me the chance to compete in the senior team and youth competitions, they bestowed upon me all that I needed."

"There was a mix of emotions when I realized it was time to depart, yet there was also a sense of anticipation - a fresh chapter, a new beginning."

Sitting at home and pondering about it could be strange sometimes. Despite living just 15 minutes away from the (Chelsea) training ground, I found myself contemplating the fact that I was heading to a place where I didn't know anyone. It felt quite surreal.

However, now that I am here at Forest, I am fully committed to giving my all for this club.

Hudson-Odoi made a stunning impact on the Forest supporters by delivering a remarkable goal during his debut, consequently securing a point against Burnley. He openly acknowledges that this is the most remarkable goal he has ever achieved in his career. Therefore, how did he experience this moment?

"A feeling of relief washed over me. As a winger, it is my responsibility to generate opportunities and provide assists. However, I must also focus on increasing my goal-scoring ability. This year, my mindset has undergone a complete transformation."

"In the past, I perhaps took a cautious approach, prioritized playing a pleasant style of football. However, this year, my aim is to increase my goal-scoring tally, provide more assists, and become a greater nuisance on the field than before.

"When the ball found the back of the net, a sense of relief washed over me. I could finally lower my shoulders, unwind, and the sight of my family in the stands made the moment even more unforgettable."

Hudson-Odoi acknowledges that he is overly critical of himself and tends to be too harsh. His goal for this season is to score 10 goals and provide 10 assists in the Premier League for Forest. Additionally, he anticipates that the team will secure a place in the top 10 of the Premier League standings.

"The squad's drive and self-assurance now lie in obtaining points in every match. It is indeed a daunting challenge compared to last year, but everyone is determined to avoid being in that situation again."

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Hudson-Odoi hoisting the Club World Cup trophy in 2022 following Chelsea's triumphant win against Palmeiras showcases his remarkable journey.

Exhibiting an awe-inspiring performance in 2018, the talented winger made a dynamic entrance onto the football stage. At a mere 18 years and 22 days old, he etched his name in Chelsea's history as the youngest European goalscorer.

Following his competitive debut for England at the remarkable age of 18 years and 135 days, he held the title as the youngest player until Jude Bellingham emerged. Notably, he played as a substitute in Chelsea's triumphant 2021 Champions League final, creating memorable moments.

Unfortunately, the subsequent years have presented challenging times for him. In 2019, on Easter Sunday, he suffered a devastating Achilles injury during a match against Burnley, leading to a five-month absence from the field.

After recovering from his injury and experiencing multiple changes in the Chelsea management, he faced difficulties in securing a consistent spot in the starting lineup. Consequently, he opted for a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season, ultimately severing his ties with Chelsea.

Acknowledging the challenges of not finding a sense of belonging, he is now focused on achieving success and revitalizing his career alongside the River Trent.

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In just a span of 12 months, I have experienced a significant amount of change and growth. From dealing with the complexities of my loan at Chelsea, to now being a part of Forest, I have had to quickly adapt and mature. Along this journey, I have come to understand the importance of taking responsibility for my actions. Although there may be moments of disappointment, I have learned that staying true to oneself and being resilient are key in navigating any challenges that arise.

I'm beginning to settle in Nottingham and it's starting to feel like home. I'm familiar with the city and the streets are peaceful, unlike the bustling and congested London.

Furthermore, Hudson-Odoi recently shared a deeply personal loss he experienced while he was on loan in Leverkusen. Suddenly, his beloved uncle passed away, leaving a profound impact on him. Their bond was incredibly strong.

I have never discussed it, but when events like that occur, someone who is so close to you... This individual attended all of my games, accompanied me to my first England training camp, and now they are no longer here. This circumstance should empower you, knowing that you are undertaking your actions for a purpose, to bring pride to yourself and your family. You must exhibit strength.

He passed away, and shortly after, you may have a game in two days, thus requiring mental fortitude. I was in Germany when this occurred. I received the phone call, and I was taken aback. He had just left the hospital, and the very next day, he passed away.

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Scoring his inaugural goal for Forest, Hudson-Odoi relishes in his achievement. He reflects on the positive impact of his early exposure to the game, which has accelerated his personal growth. The abundance of matches he has played has been influential, and he finds comfort in the presence of supportive individuals who ensure he remains down-to-earth and modest.

"You have experienced tremendous success at a young age, yet there is still so much more ahead of you. Seize every opportunity and make the most of each day. I am incredibly motivated now."

Only three years ago, Bayern Munich had a bid exceeding £40m turned down for Hudson-Odoi. However, on Deadline Day, he joined Forest for a mere £5m.

If Steve Cooper can help him reach the same level of play he had as a teenager when they won the U17s World Cup together, Hudson-Odoi might turn out to be one of the best deals this season.

Tune in to the Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest match this Saturday, live on We Main Event and Premier League starting at 5pm. The game will kick off at 5.30pm.