Tammy Abraham has admitted his departure from Chelsea was "difficult" but is now enjoying life under former Blues boss Jose Mourinho at new club Roma.
A graduate of the club's Cobham academy, Abraham enjoyed a prolific 2019/2020 campaign but only featured sporadically under Thomas Tuchel. The 24-year-old subsequently opted to seek pastures new in 2021 after playing a limited part in Chelsea's Champions League triumph that year.
Whilst acknowledging that his Stamford Bridge departure was not easy to accept, Abraham recognises his move abroad has had a significant positive impact after he netted 29 goals across all competitions and regained a place in the England squad.
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"If you'd told me a couple of years ago I'd be playing in Italy, I wouldn't have believed you," he explained to the Mail on Sunday. "Leaving Chelsea was difficult, it's where I'd grown up from the age of seven.
"I didn't know much about Italian football but it has helped me develop as a player and as a man. I've come out of my comfort zone and don't have any regrets. I love the life and it's brought out another side to my game.
"At Chelsea, I was viewed purely as a goalscorer. Here, I've learned different aspects of the game. If our opponents have more of the ball, I know how to position myself defensively. You have to be more clinical finishing chances because they can be limited."
Abraham has singled out Mourinho's man-management abilities for his upturn in fortunes, something Chelsea supporters had witnessed first-hand during his two spells in West London.
"He (Mourinho) is one of the best for man-management," Abraham acknowledged. "He knows how to speak to players, the best way to deal with each one.
"In my case, he never tells me how well I am doing. At half-time, I never get a 'Well done' even though in the back of my mind I am thinking, 'You know I'm playing well'. He always wants you to do better."
"Before the Europa Conference semi-final against Leicester last season, he dragged me into a room and said: 'Tam, I don't think you have been good enough'.
"I was surprised because I had scored in the previous game! I asked what he meant and he said he wasn't seeing the Tammy he saw play against Lazio for example. It was motivating and I did end up scoring the winner against Leicester."
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