Ghana international, Baba Rahman has opened up about his challenging time at Chelsea, expressing disappointment that his career there didn’t go as planned.
The former left-back for Asante Kotoko and Dreams FC joined Chelsea in 2015 from Bundesliga club Augsburg.
Despite the promising move, his time at Stamford Bridge was hampered by injuries and limited playing opportunities.
Rahman managed 23 appearances and scored twice before being loaned out to several clubs, ultimately finding stability with Greek team PAOK FC.
Reflecting on his Chelsea days, the Ghana international told the BBC, “I am sad things didn’t work out at Chelsea. I just had so many bad injuries whilst I was there, and because I wasn’t 100% fit, I wasn’t able to give my absolute best.”
Rahman also revealed that he nearly retired after suffering a second ACL injury, crediting Chelsea’s former medical director, Dr. Paco Biosca, for encouraging him to continue.
“I owe them a lot because it was Dr. Paco who convinced me not to retire after my second ACL injury,” Rahman shared.
“It had taken me 18 months to come back, and when the doctor told me I had another ACL injury, I decided I had had enough. I told my family I was quitting.
“But Dr Paco said he had seen other players come back and promised that if I was patient and mentally strong, I could do it too. I slept on it and then decided I wanted to fight for my career.”
Now with PAOK, Rahman is grateful for his second chance in football and the support he received through his toughest moments.