Anglo-Canadian-Nigerian central defender Malik Owolabi-Belewu has revealed that his failed transfer to Premier League giants Chelsea in the summer of 2020 has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Chelsea wanted to add a left-footed central defender to their academy ranks and officially invited him to train with the club with a view to a transfer but he couldn't attend the trial because of coronavirus restrictions.

His trial with the Stamford Bridge outfit was delayed and he opted to move to Italian second-tier side SPAL following a successful trial.

"In the summer there was very, very strong interest from Chelsea but I ended up coming to SPAL first and from the way they treated me, their plans for me, the offer was too good to refuse,"Owolabi-Belewu told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Honestly I have no regrets about that offer, it has been amazing ever since I have been here, I've played against some amazing players, been to some amazing cities and I'm just enjoying every minute of it.

"That move to Chelsea didn't work out but I feel like it was a blessing that it didn't work out because where I am now I'm enjoying it, I'm playing and I am just enjoying football everyday."

Born in London 18 years ago, Owolabi-Belewu was a non-playing substitute for SPAL's first team when they faced Bari and Crotone in the Coppa Italia.

He scored on his Primavera debut as SPAL were held to a 1-1 draw by Genoa U19s back in September.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel