It’s fair to say Nathaniel Chalobah’s fledgling career has been a nomadic one.

At 22, the midfielder has represented seven different clubs, six of which as a loanee and is yet to spend consecutive seasons in the same postcode.

Now though, a permanent move to Watford, which saw the Hornets part with an initial £5million, has sealed a five-year contract and, for the first time, the promise of regular first team football at Premier League level.

It is a sense of security Chelsea, who nurtured Chalobah from Under-10 level, couldn’t provide and played a big role in his arrival.

“Chelsea offered me a new contract but I wanted to come and give myself the chance to play. I think being at Chelsea I would have signed a new contract and been sent back out on loan,” Chalobah explained.

“That (being settled) was one of the pivotal parts in my decision as I wanted to feel like I belonged somewhere and had a home.

“I have been travelling back and forth for such a long time and Watford gave me that opportunity and it’s something which is good for me.

“It was very emotional to leave Chelsea but it was time to see what the next chapter has for me.”

While not having a permanent base has its drawbacks, time spent at different clubs should at least have given Chalobah a rounded perspective on the game.

Not all of his moves have been successful, but he believes he has been able to gain something from each one.

He said: “Every loan has been a learning experience for me and is something I have taken with me. Even a bad loan spell is something you have to take the positives from.”

The move sees Chalobah, who has represented England at various youth levels an impressive 97 times, return to a club he spent the 2012/13 season on loan with.

His signature was pursued by a number of clubs, including Southampton, but Chalobah favoured familiarity and is pleased to be back at Vicarage Road.

“I had a few clubs come in, but the history I had with Watford was what made me decide to come here and I did have a good time here before. I have very positive things to say about the club,” he said.

“It is a family club and I am happy to be back.

“It was my first loan and I was excited. They usually say your first loan is your worst loan, but it was my best and it was always positive when I came here.”

Chalobah may be keen to focus on the here and now and forging a career at Watford, but it is hard to ignore Antonio Conte’s assessment of his departure.

The Blues’ Italian boss opted to jettison Chalobah after the arrival of Tiémoué Bakayoko at Stamford Bridge, citing the former Monaco man’s superior experience as the reason.

Experience can only be gained through opportunity and Chalobah is paying little attention to Bakayoko’s arrival – instead focusing on the chance he has at Watford.

“I wouldn’t want to compare myself with him,” he said. “Fair play to Bakayoko who he has brought in, he must be a good player – I am not doubting that.

“The experience thing is biggest part of any decision really for managers these days. If he has that experience then fair play. Here is my chance to come and get experience.”