FC Volendam youngster Xavier Mbuyamba has insisted he did not make a step down when he joined the Dutch side from Chelsea this summer.
The 20-year-old joined the Eredivisie side at the end of August for an undisclosed fee, bringing an end to a two-year stay at Stamford Bridge.
He joined them from Barcelona on a free transfer in August 2020, having spent one year in the Catalan side’s youth ranks following a move from MVV U19’s.
He failed to make a senior appearance for Barcelona, and it proved to be the same with Chelsea, where all of his appearances came for their under-21 side.
That was a key reason behind his decision to move on this summer, with Volendam offering a chance at regular first-team football and further development in the Eredivisie.
A move from a club like Chelsea to someone like Volendam could be seen as a step down, but he is refusing to see it that way.
“Many people think that Chelsea to FC Volendam is a step down, but I see it as a step up,” he told NOS.
“I go from U23 football to the Eredivisie. If I play a lot, I can develop well. That’s it really. There was interest from Eredivisie clubs, and I had a very good feeling here.
“For my development, I chose FC Barcelona. I learned a lot there. I actually wanted to go straight to Chelsea, but they got a transfer ban.
“Then I went the following year. There I experienced a lot and developed myself.
“I want to play one, two, three seasons here. As soon as I’m ready, I’ll hopefully make the step to the top of the Eredivisie.”
