Andrey Santos—one of Chelsea young midfielders—gave an honest reason why he almost chose to quit the Blues. What he said is more than your typical player transfer story; it shows what goes on in the mind of a young footballer who’s under pressure and afflicted by high expectations and self-doubt.
Harsh Introduction of Andrey Santos at Chelsea:
When Santos first came to Chelsea, he was still very young. He was pushed straight into preseason, training with the first team, and all of a sudden, the rhythm and pressures were all much more extreme than anything to which he was used. He called it a “reality shock.”
In those early moments, he thought that he got isolated. He questioned whether he was really meant to be there. He asked himself, “Do I even know how to play football at this level?”
That was a boulder feeling. It was confidence; being good enough. And at those times, Santos admitted he wished to get out just because he was afraid he would not make it.
Why He Chose to Stay, and What Pushed Him Away?
Two things were in focus:
1. Game Time & Growth
Soon he came to know that staying at Chelsea would be like fighting established players such as Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia. The fight was intense. He knew that without regular minutes, his growth would be stunted.
As a result of this, last season despite Chelsea wishing him to stay, he asked to be loaned out. He and his family as a collective thought it was better to play consistently than to be a substitute. He thought playing at a high standard of football was the best way to earn his place, improve, and earn belief.
2. Mental Self-Honesty over Ego
Rather than lying to himself (and Chelsea) that everything was fine, Santos accepted that there was a gap in reality. Not because he was proud, but because he esteemed his career. he wanted to learn, even if the price was admitting he had doubts.
What This Means for His Future?
Santos has since grown. The loan to Strasbourg proved valuable. He earned minute. He gained confidence by scoring goals. And now he’s determined to fight for a place in Chelsea’s starting lineup.
He decided to stay, rather than take the easy way out. That speaks of the character of an individual who values long-term growth over temporary convenience or reputation.
Author’s Insight:
Why Andrey Santos considered leaving Chelsea wasn’t because of the lack of dreams, but because there were too many of them. The dream of being good, of being confident. And that fear, led him to make choices that would end up making him stronger—not on the football pitch, but as a person.
