Defender Tomas Kalas says he believes he still has a future at Chelsea despite agreeing to another season-long loan move away from Stamford Bridge.
The 24-year-old signed a new four-year deal with the Blues last month before rejoining London neighbours Fulham, whom he helped to the Championship play-offs last season.
Prior to his move, Kalas was part of the Chelsea squad that travelled to China and Singapore for a pre-season training camp, playing the final 13 minutes of the 3-0 friendly win over Arsenal.
And the Czech Republic international remains confident he can add to his three first-team appearances in the future, despite increased competition.
“Now, it looks like an impossible thing but I wouldn’t have signed a contract [otherwise],” Kalas told West London Sport.
“People don’t know what conversations there are between player and the club.
“I’m quite pleased that I went to China and Singapore. I think I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and training with these players is always a lesson for me.
“I got fit and I gained some experienced from Antonio Conte and his methods.
“I was learning every day, but at the end of the day it’s about playing time and I knew that I would get it at Fulham.”
Kalas also revealed he turned down interest from Hull City and Premier League clubs to re-sign on loan for Fulham.
“There were other options that made sense as well, but in terms of this league I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” he said.