Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed that Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper played a key role in his decision to sign at the City Ground.

The winger completed a move from Chelsea on the final day of the summer transfer window.

After returning from a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season, Hudson-Odoi was linked with a host of clubs including Fulham and Crystal Palace.

But having won the U17 World Cup under the guidance of former England youth boss Cooper in 2017, the 22-year-old opted for a move to Nottingham.

Hudson-Odoi told The Telegraph: ‘There were a lot of different places I could have ended up at, but once ‘Coops’ made the call my head was straight here.

Callum Hudson-Odoi completed a transfer from Chelsea to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the summer transfer window

The 22-year-old revealed that a phone call with Forest boss Steve Cooper, who he played under for the England U17 side, convinced to go to the City Ground

‘He definitely brought the best out of me with England.

‘The big thing about him is how he understands players, on and off the pitch. He’s always making sure that you’re mentally right and comfortable, and free in what you do.’

Hudson-Odoi could make his Forest debut in Monday’s Premier League clash with winless Burnley at the City Ground.

Cooper’s side have made a promising start to the season, picking up two wins from their opening four games and only falling to narrow away defeats against both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Forest won their last Premier League game 1-0 at Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino continues to struggle to turn around Chelsea’s fortunes.

Despite the struggles of his former employers, Hudson-Odoi has admitted it was still a difficult decision to leave the club he first joined at the age of six.

The winger made 126 appearances for Chelsea after making his debut in January 2018.

Hudson-Odoi won the U17 World Cup in 2017 alongside the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Phil Foden and Conor Gallagher

The winger found his playing time at Chelsea limited when Thomas Tuchel was manager after making a bright start to his Stamford Bridge career

He spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, making 21 appearances and scoring one goal

He slipped down the pecking order once Thomas Tuchel became Chelsea manager, forcing him to seek a fresh start in the East Midlands.

Hudson-Odoi said: ‘Chelsea has been my home for a very long time and knowing it was time to go was emotional.

‘It was difficult, we had conversations but I thought it was best if I leave. It was a mutual agreement, but I’d say it was more my decision.

‘Forest is the right place for me to excel in my football, and do more than I probably could at Chelsea. I want to be playing as much as possible.’