I owe Chelsea everything after injury nightmare – I’m sad things didn’t work out for me

Former Chelsea defender Baba Rahman recently expressed deep gratitude for a pivotal figure at Stamford Bridge who supported him through numerous challenges during his eight-year tenure.

After impressing at FC Augsburg, Rahman joined Chelsea in 2015 under a five-year contract arranged by Jose Mourinho, but frequent injuries hindered his progress. He made only 23 appearances during the 2015-16 season, leading to several loan spells at clubs like Schalke 04, Reims, Mallorca, PAOK, and Reading before officially departing in 2023.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Rahman voiced his disappointment over his Chelsea journey: “I’m saddened it didn’t work out there,” he said. “Recurring injuries meant I was never at my best and couldn’t give everything I wanted to the club.”

Rahman reserves special appreciation for Dr. Paco Biosca, Chelsea’s former medical director, who played a crucial role in his decision to continue his career after his second ACL injury in 2019. Rahman recalled the doctor’s unwavering support, saying, “When I first heard of another ACL injury, I was ready to retire. I told my family I was quitting. But Dr. Paco reassured me, promising that with patience and mental strength, I could recover and return stronger.”

Rahman ultimately decided to push forward and now cherishes this second chance in football, embracing every moment. While he also admired teammates like Eden Hazard, whom he called “incredible,” he believes it was Dr. Paco’s encouragement behind the scenes that truly made a difference.