'Really supportive' - Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina names two Chelsea players he looked up to

Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina has revealed the influence of Chelsea legends John Terry and Ashley Cole on his career. 

The Nigeria international fullback was on the books of Chelsea for twelve years, rising through the ranks to make his first team debut in a League Cup tie against Bristol Rovers on August 23, 2016.

Jose Mourinho actually brought Aina into the Chelsea first team but he made his senior debut under Italian coach Antonio Conte.

Growing up in Chelsea youth system, Aina was naturally inspired by some of the club's biggest legends, notably Ashley Cole and John Terry, whom he highlighted as key influences from his early days.

"Ashley Cole was obviously there. But John Terry was a big one for us because he was really good with the academy boys," Ola Aina told Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast.

While John Terry is widely known for his commanding presence and leadership on the pitch, Ola Aina emphasized a different side of the former captain — his support and mentorship off it.

"All people see is one side of a footballer really but John Terry, all my memories I had with him, they've been really good. He's a really supportive guy and knows how to connect with the young ones."

Aina, who spent over a decade at Chelsea and was part of several youth title-winning sides, acknowledged the difficulty of breaking into a senior team stacked with world-class talent. 

Reflecting on the intensity and high standards that shaped his development, Aina stated: "Growing up at Chelsea, it was really competitive. 

"Everyone knew, not just myself. We knew if you could eventually get recognized by the first team or being in their squads, or even training with them throughout the week, then you've done really well.

"It was tough, they had some amazing players over the years and obviously trying to break into their team was really hard."

Aina made six first team appearances for Chelsea, including three in the Premier League, before joining Torino on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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