ETHAN TO HONE EDGE AT BLADES
Chelsea ace eyes regular starts in the Prem
ETHAN AMPADU’S dad was Thierry Henry’s right-hand man at Monaco – but nepotism never came into it when the Wales ace was considering his next move.
Ampadu, who celebrates his 20th birthday tomorrow, has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan from Chelsea ( below left) in a bid to “kick on” a career that began when he made his debut at Exeter ( below right) when he was still a schoolboy.
His father Kwame (right) also played for the Grecians during a lower- league career that eventually took him into coaching and the chance to become assistant to Arsenal legend Henry in Monte Carlo.
Ampadu said: “We might have joked about me going to Monaco because he’s my dad – but it was nothing serious. My dad gives me advice when I need it, but he’s also big on me being as independent as I can.
“He was born in Bradford, but moved to Ireland at a very young age so he’s always felt Irish.
“Now he’s trying to build his career in management and coaching and I’m trying to progress as a professional footballer.
“I’m almost 20 – and that makes it even more annoying that I haven’t played as much as I’d have liked to.
“I’ve been fortunate to be a r ound a first-team environment for a long time now and I’ve learned a lot.
“But now it’s really time for me to kick on.”
Ampadu moved to Stamford Bridge after making just 13 appearances for Exeter. He was
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in the Blues squad that lifted the Europa League last year.
But it is an illustration ation of why he feels his is career is at a crossroads.
He has been capped 15 times for
Wal e s despi t e having j ust 10 minutes’ playing time me in the Premier League.
His f r ust r ation was compounded when last season’s loan spell with RB Leipzig was ended by the coronavirus crisis after just seven appearances, three of them in the Champions League.
Ampadu hasn’t gone to
It’s annoying that I haven’t played as much as I’d have liked to. But now it really is time for me to kick on in my career
Bramall Lane to sit on the bench next to Chris Wilder. Wale Wales manager Ryan Giggs su supported his decision.
And the versatile teenage centre-back or defensive midfielder is in line to make his debut for the Blades when the Yorkshire club kick-off the season against Wolves tomorrow.
Ampadu said: “Ryan told me it’s all about getting games and getting minutes into my legs. You only develop as a player by playing games and learning the ins and outs of football.
“I was frustrated at Leipzig because I wasn’t able to show them what I can do.
“Playing for them in the Champions League was a great experience but now I have to show that I can play in the Premier League.
“You always want to do well at whatever age – and my aim is to be the best player I can be.
“But my dad always told me that it isn’t where you are when you’re 17 or 18 that matters, it’s where you are when you’re 25 or 26.”