New Chelsea signing Morgan Rogers has spoken for the first time since sealing a blockbuster £117 million move from Aston Villa.
The record-breaking deal saw Rogers become the most expensive British player of all time, surpassing Manchester City’s outlay for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier in the transfer window.
Rogers, previously considered Premier League champions Arsenal’s top transfer target of the summer, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
In London, the 23-year-old winger will link up with ex-Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso as well as former team-mate Cole Palmer.
‘Biggest club in London’
In an interview with the official Chelsea website, Rogers reflected on the move, saying: “I’m so excited.
“For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.
“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading.
“That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.”
READ MORE: Five World Cup stars who are linked with a move to the Premier League
Alonso appeal a factor
On the allure of working with new Blues boss Alonso, Rogers added: “I’ve had a few conversations with him.
“And I think it’s important for me to be here that I need to understand what the manager’s like, how he is and how he wants to operate.
“It very much fits with the way I see the game, the way I want to play and the way I want to be me and be free and express myself.
“Him being a part of that was a massive factor in me being here.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League highest points totals: The five best teams in history
Linking up with Palmer
Rogers is also set to reunite with childhood friend Palmer in West London.
“I’ve known Cole since I was about 14, first in the England [youth] teams and then when we were both at Man City together,” Rogers explained.
“We’ve been speaking about this for a while – we always would love to have played together.
“So, for it to happen, we’re both excited.
“He’s non-stop ringing my phone, texting me, and I can’t wait.
“I think that’s probably the most special thing: playing with one of your best friends and being around him every day.
“It’s something I’m really excited about.”
READ NEXT: Premier League’s lowest points totals: The five worst teams in history
