EFL star announces club exit as he opens up on ‘dark times’ in emotional statement

Nathaniel Chalobah has announced he is leaving Sheffield Wednesday in an emotional post on social media.

The former Chelsea midfielder, whose brother is Trevoh Chalobah, scored for Wednesday in their 2-1 win over West Brom on Saturday.

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Victory was just their second of the season, one that was marred by going into administration and a historic Championship relegation.

Wednesday finished on 0 points, having been deducted 18 points in total across the campaign for administration and financial issues.

However, a sell-out crowd at Hillsborough had something to celebrate on and off the pitch as their long-awaited takeover was completed.

Chalobah netted their first of the day, and celebrated by slapping the Wednesday badge on his shirt in a toast to the club and its fans.

It was his final appearance for the Owls, with the 31-year-old taking to Instagram to share the news that he will leave in the summer.

“As my time @swfcofficial comes to an end, I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone associated with the club,” he said.

“To all the people that came out every single week home and away to support the boys just shows the passion and love you all have for the club.

“To my guys in the changing room. Dark times from the start but we kept each other going through crazy times, character, resilience, fight but most of all empathy through circumstances we hopefully never have to go through again. I just wished I was there more to go through it with you all.

“To the staff that were able to keep everyone level event though times were tough for you too, thank you for your care.

“From my family and I (especially my kids who are now die hard Wednesday fans) THANK YOU. #NC14 #wawaw.”

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A new era for Wednesday

Ahead of kick-off against West Brom, Wednesday fans were ecstatic to hear the news of a £20million takeover by David Storch.

The American businessman was greeted with loud cheers when he walked onto the pitch before another special announcement.

Wednesday were at risk of starting the 2026/27 League One season on -15 points.

This is because the Storch-led group Arise Capital Partners were not willing to pay £15m to the outgoing owner Dejphon Chansiri.

However, the EFL (English Football League) chose not to implement a 15-point deduction on the club.

Chansiri rejected or didn’t even respond to multiple offers, as per the BBC, so the EFL waived the sanction.

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A video posted on the big screen at Hillsborough presented fans with a countdown, which started from 15.

It very slowly trickled down to zero to signal that Wednesday would start next season on a level playing field.

They are now out of administration and under new management after the chaotic Chansiri reign that was filled with financial issues.

Wednesday may have dropped to the third tier, but can begin to look forward to a brighter future.