Chelsea target Ivan Toney admits he felt like quitting football during his ban from football
Chelsea target Ivan Toney is set to return to the pitch after serving an eight-month ban imposed by the Football Association due to his involvement in 232 breaches of gambling rules.
The 27-year-old’s suspension is scheduled to conclude on January 16th, enabling him to potentially participate in Brentford’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest on January 20.
The extended period of absence from play has significantly affected the striker, nearly causing Toney to lose his passion for football. However, the center-forward has diligently pushed himself during this hiatus from the sport.
During the initial four months of his ban, Toney was also prohibited from training alongside his teammates. At one point, he contemplated walking away from football entirely. However, he remained composed and eventually opened up about his thoughts on quitting football to the Mirror, stating:
‘I didn’t watch football. I distanced myself from it for a while. In a way, I imposed a punishment on myself. There was a time when I almost lost my passion for the game. It is what it is; the situation is in the past.’
Toney’s sentiments are relatable as it’s challenging to let go of something you love doing. Enduring an eight-month absence is undeniably lengthy, yet he maintained his determination, stayed committed to training, and now, his perseverance is yielding results as he prepares to make a comeback.
He will have to make a significant decision in January as other teams are interested in signing him. Although Chelsea and Arsenal have shown interest in him, it seems doubtful that the Blues would pay £100 million for him considering they are prepared to activate Victor Osimhen’s clause in June.
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Until then, Toney will be looking to carry on with his goal-scoring exploits after placing third in the Premier League the previous campaign. Given that he will be able to play in Premier League matches without a ban, whichever club he signs will have a deadly striker ready to wreak havoc.