Glen Johnson has admitted he didn't want to leave West Ham United for Chelsea back in 2003.
The former right back came through the Hammers' academy before making his debut just over 20 years ago. Despite signing a four-year deal in March of that year, Johnson left at the end of that season following the club's relegation to the Championship.
Chelsea signed the then 18-year-old for £6million, where he went on pick up a Premier League winners medal before eventually leaving for Portsmouth after four years with the Blues.
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The now 38-year-old has admitted that there were conversations about returning to the club later on in his career but nothing materialised, though he insists he never actually wanted to depart east London but ultimately 'had no choice'.
“There were kind of discussions towards the end, there were sort of light chats about it," Johnson told Lord Ping. “Obviously any move is all about timing and what works for you and the club and the team. It all sort of happened very quickly I guess, I was only there for about 14 games.
“I think the reason I always got a good reception was because I only spoke about never wanting to leave.
“I didn’t want to leave, but I kind of had no choice, in a sense you can’t turn down a move like that or an opportunity like that. So I always spoke highly about them and tried to be respectful as well in terms of the fans, I think people feel that and sense it which is why the relationship is still good.”
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