After his last-gasp arrival, Trevoh Chalobah has enjoyed his first two weeks settling in at Crystal Palace – and believes the club is capable of great things this season.
The 25-year-old defender, who has also played in midfield in spells of his career, joined the Eagles on transfer deadline day on loan from Chelsea until the end of 2024/25.
Growing up in South London, in nearby Gipsy Hill, Chalobah’s move to Palace reunites him at club level with a number of former teammates from his Chelsea youth days – as the defender recalled in his first Palace TV exclusive interview.
Chalobah said: “First, I just want to say thanks, my Lord, my Saviour, Jesus Christ, for this opportunity. The first few days have been good around the boys and they've welcomed me.
“I know Eddie [Nketiah] well. We grew up together at Chelsea in the young age groups, so I've been close with him ever since. I know [Ebere] Eze quite well as well, and obviously Marc [Guéhi] – I played with Marc at Chelsea as well. It’s good to be here with the lads again.
“As I said, ever since I came here, I’ve felt welcome. It's like a small group here, a small family and it's been amazing.”
I think we can go and do great things
—Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has made some 80 appearances for Chelsea over the last three seasons, scoring five times, including against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League, and is looking to apply the benefit of those experiences to a youthful Palace squad with great aspirations of their own.
Laying out his targets for the loan spell, Chalobah said: “I've been playing in the Premier League for three years now, I think I've got a lot of experience now.
“For me, it's just getting as many games in as possible and helping the team. Obviously, Crystal Palace are a very good team in the Premier League, and I'm really excited for this season.
"I think we can go and do great things.”
On his new manager Oliver Glasner, Chalobah added: “He’s welcomed me nicely. He’s just [said] to show my qualities, my defensive qualities, and help boost the back line, and hopefully we can keep as many clean sheets [as possible].”
Chalobah has been part of Chelsea matchday squads at Selhurst Park before, but is now looking forward to the chance to wear the red and blue in SE25 for the first time – with home matches against Leicester City and Manchester United to come in the next fortnight, either side of a Carabao Cup trip to Queens Park Rangers.
“I can't wait,” Chalobah said of the prospect. “Obviously, I've played at Selhurst before, and the atmosphere is very good. It's good to be on the home side now, and I can't wait to meet the fans.
“I will give my all in this season, and I'm ready to fight for the badge, and hopefully we can do great things.”