ALBANIAN FA chief Armand Duka has declared it was better for Armando Broja’s development when he was on loan at Saints.

The 21-year-old international is fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for Chelsea having returned to Cobham after a temporary spell at St Mary’s.

Last season, Broja netted six Premier League goals and a further three in cups during his full debut senior campaign in England.

However, 10 of his 12 Premier League appearances under Thomas Tuchel and new boss Graham Potter have come as a substitute – as have his five in the Champions League.

Broja is under contract at Chelsea until 2028 after penning new long-term conditions this summer – but a leader in his country wants him playing more.

"It’s true [he is not playing regularly]," said Duka. "It was better when he was at Southampton where he was starting almost always in the starting line-up.

“Now he plays 15, 20 minutes every game and it is not quite the same as playing 90.”

When asked where he would suggest Broja to go, he merely added that it has to be best for his pitch time – with a sprinkle of personal bias!

“I care that he plays and that he feels good – I don’t care where. Of course, if he plays for Milan, even better because I am a bit of a Milan fan," he said.

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