From depression after Chelsea injury to playing non-league at 37
Sam Hutchinson is getting ready to play for Farnham Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup - 19 years after making his Chelsea debut under Jose Mourinho.
Sam Hutchinson began his football career under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, contributing to Frank Lampard's goal and witnessing the club's historic 2012 Champions League victory in Munich. A promising product of Chelsea's youth system, Hutchinson's career was marred by a chronic knee injury that nearly ended it before it had started.
Diagnosed with a chondral defect, he retired at 21 in 2010 due to struggles in recovery, leading to a period of depression. After receiving treatment at the Priory, Hutchinson returned to Chelsea in December 2011 but faced further injuries, playing only six senior matches for the club. Despite this, he had a successful career, playing over 200 games in the Championship for various clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, where he is fondly remembered.
Hutchinson recently signed with non-league Farnham Town after a major health scare, marking his comeback at the age of 37.
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