Former Chelsea and Newcastle United winger Damien Duff has admitted to Chelsea TV that he still regrets swapping Stamford Bridge for St. James’ Park, nearly a decade ago.
Duff was one of the stars of the Premier League during his Blackburn Rovers days and he was able to earn a £17 million move to giants Chelsea back in the summer of 2003.
The winger enjoyed a wonderful time at Stamford Bridge, playing a crucial role in helping the Blues to consecutive Premier League title victories.
Following a difficult third season though, Duff made a surprise move to Newcastle United for just £5 million and the transfer most certainly did not go according to plan as the attacker struggled for form at St. James’ Park.
Duff hung up his boots this summer, and the 37-year-old has now gone on to admit that he still regrets making the switch from Chelsea to Newcastle back in 2006.
The ex-Fulham man told Chelsea TV, “Looking back now, did I make the wrong decision in leaving? Yes. I remember speaking to the club about a new contract, I never had a falling out with Jose. I still loved it there but I just wanted to go and play football week in, week out.
“I made my decision, probably a rash decision, but it’s something I stand by. I wish I’d stayed, I should have stayed. Chelsea is the only club where I was in pieces when I was leaving.”