Sold to Young Boys back in 2017 after a four-year spell at Newcastle United, Kevin Mbabu finally got the break he wanted in his career with a great season back in his home country.
The right-back helped the Swiss side qualify for the Champions League, where they’ll face Manchester United in their group, but ahead of that game, he’ll be returning to England with the national team to face Gareth Southgate’s men in the Nations League.
Speaking to La Tribune de Genève, the 23-year-old was asked about his time in Newcastle, which the player only had good things to say about.
He explained: “It was very important for me. I spent four years there and keep great memories. It’s like going home for me. I appreciated my stay at Newcastle, and England is a special country. I hope to play there again soon, I’d really like to return.”
Leaving Servette FC at the age of 18 to give the Premier League a go, Mbabu only ever featured three times in the Premier League for the Magpies, but he would do it all again.
He said: “I’m where I am because of everything I did in my career. England was really useful for me. Without it, I wouldn’t have the same trajectory. Even if I didn’t play that much, I learnt a lot, especially mentally. It was a really good experience I don’t regret one bit.”
As for whether he would recommend doing what he did to young footballers, he explained it all depended on the club, who was already in their role, what their project is: “You can’t answer yes or no to that question.”
Despite being determined to return to the Premier League at some point, Mbabu is keen to enjoy the season in Switzerland for now, with Manchester United in the Champions League his next circled fixture on the calendar.
Maybe he’s hoping to impress a certain José Mourinho?
