Ryan Bertrand is now 24 and currently on loan to fellow Premier League club Aston Villa. Bertrand has repeatedly been loaned out throughout his career to gain first team experience, due to Ashley Cole being the long term number one left back at Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho insists the English left back is still part of his plans, but with stiff competition from Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta, Bertrand’s future may be away from Stamford Bridge. Bertrand is desperate to be playing regular football and hasn’t ruled out staying at current club Aston Villa on a permanent basis.
“It’s flattering to hear what Jose Mourinho said but there’s no more waiting around for me in terms of wanting to be a Chelsea player.
“Come the summer I need to be the No.1 left-back, wherever that will be.
“I have ambitions but I have to be realistic as well. I will sit down and consider all my options.
“Staying here isn’t something I would rule out. I’ve had years of playing but since I was 17 I have been on loan, basically.
“I’ve spent the past few years at Chelsea, in and out of the team, and the experience I’ve gained from that is I’m happy just playing. That’s what it comes down to in football.
“If you’re getting the respect from your peers that you deserve, that means a lot.”
If Bertrand can become a regular, whether at Chelsea or another Premier League team, his ambitions could soon lead to him being a contender for the left back position in the England squad, although Brazil may come too soon for Bertrand and his international ambitions. His Premier League future is at the forefront of his mind and come the summer, Bertrand will decide whether he puts an end to his Chelsea career, or becomes a regular left back at Stamford Bridge.
Written By Kyle Farrington
