Chelsea defender Fankaty Dabo has admitted his first month away from his home city of London has been tough.
The 21 year old joined the Blues’ feeder club Vitesse Arnhem on a season long loan in late June, but the Eredivisie club have spent part of their pre-season in the UK. In an interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, Dabo explained he is missing aspects of his life in London:
“I miss my family, friends. My dog. They occasionally come to the Netherlands. But I just have to continue. I’m a professional. Arnhem, Vitesse. That must be my home. Last [week], I walked through Arnhem, like a kind of tourist. It’s fun. Everybody speaks English, that’s nice. And I’m busy with learning Dutch. Every day I practice. It’s hard, but I pick it up slowly.”
Dabo is the latest among a long line of Chelsea academy products and youth signings that have been sent out on loan to Vitesse. One of the most successful was Lewis Baker.
The England Under 21 international played 73 times for the Dutch club in a two year loan spell. He scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists, becoming an important first team player. Dabo will be hoping he can make a similar impact and return to Stamford Bridge an improved player and ready for first team action.
