LEVI COLWILL turned his back on one of England’s most exclusive neighbourhoods to move back with his family.
The Three Lions defender had been living next to Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey — a magnet for stars at London’s Premier League clubs.
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While some of the nation’s richest people who work in the capital also have multi-million-pound pads in the area.
Yet for Chelsea centre-back Colwill, there is no place like home.
Hoping to earn his fourth England cap against Greece at Wembley on Thursday, the 21-year-old has moved back down the M3 to Eastleigh to be near his family as well as his close pals, who all have normal jobs.
Colwill, who played for Southampton’s City Central Youth while also featuring throughout the age groups at Chelsea, has played every minute in the Premier League this season.
He said: “I’ve moved back into my family home and I travel every day.
“No matter how long a day I’ve had, when I get back and see my dog, my mum, dad and little brother, it means the world.
“Being connected with them again is what life is about. Growing up as a player at Southampton City Central, with my mates, was the best time of my life.
“I’m happy I’ve gone back, seeing my friends and family so much more. That’s been reflected with my performances.
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“Being in the bubble when you’re at your club is great — but when you come home it’s more of a peaceful, normal life.
“I’m with people who work 9-5 every day. To be around them shows you their side of life and makes you appreciate yours so much more.”
Asked about his pals, Colwill said: “All my mates do different things. They do different trades which helps me a lot with the house!”
Colwill featured in both of Lee Carsley’s opening wins as interim boss against Ireland and Finland last month.
And he enjoys a close relationship with Carsley as he led the Blues defender to Under-21s Euros glory last year.
Colwill said: “He’s a calm person and he brings that to the team. He’s an amazing person and a strong-minded manager.
“He has a bit of arrogance about the team and himself, he says ‘We’ve got the best players in the world’ and we all believe that we can take that next step to win a huge competition.
“I’ve not got a bad word to say about him because he’s won me an U21 Euros. The lads really like him.”
Lee Carsley praise
Colwill has played for Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and now Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge and he believes Carsley has the same outlook.
He added: “They all like to think more about how their teams are going to play.
“Cars is exactly the same, focusing on how we are going to hurt teams.
“When you’ve got amazing players, you can believe you are going to have most of the possession and you’re going to create most of the chances.
“We are a huge nation, with amazing players so it’s good to have that mindset.”
