BEN CHILWELL revealed “really good guy” Frank Lampard convinced him to seal his £50million Chelsea transfer.
The England left-back, 23, had been linked with a move throughout the summer with Leicester holding out for a bumper fee.
Ben Chilwell credited boss Frank Lampard for his role in convincing him to leave boyhood club Leicester for ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And he finally penned a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge after assurances from the Blues boss.
Chilwell became the third signing of the window following Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech through the door – with Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz expected to join as well.
But the Foxes academy graduate – who is comfortable at left-back and left wing-back – was full of praise for Lampard in his first interview with his new club.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining Chelsea at this very exciting time for the club and the manager played a massive part in me signing here.
“I think every player wants to play for a huge club in their career and I’m no different, but talking to Frank before I signed really made up my mind that I wanted to come and play here.
“He installed a lot of confidence in me, he told me about the system he wants to play, how I’d fit into that and he just seemed a really good guy that you could talk to about anything.
“It’s important to have that relationship and trust with a manager and he’s also very keen on young players being given a chance.”
Chilwell joins a list of young British players in the Blues side who all broke through under Lampard following the transfer ban a year ago.
Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount have kicked on to join the left-back in Gareth Southgate’s England set-up while the likes of Billy Gilmour, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Fikayo Tomori have all impressed.
Chilwell added: “We’ve seen that over the past season under Frank, he does play the younger players if they are good enough and just from speaking to him, I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“He told me about the system and of course I watched and played against Chelsea over the season, so I know what I’m coming into.
“I think the way the gaffer sets his teams up is just perfect for me and suits my game perfectly.
“I’m just can’t wait to get started and hopefully there are many great years to come.”
But as well as looking forward to his new adventure, the defender took to social media to thank Leicester for all their efforts over his 11 years at the King Power club.
Posting a photo kissing the Premier League trophy, he wrote: “To everyone at @LCFC. I would like to say a massive thank you for these last 11 years.
“I have grown not just as a player but as a person also. I’m so thankful for the memories and opportunities this club has given me.
I would like to thank everyone associated with Leicester City – Khun Vichai and Khun Top, the managers, my teammates, the backroom staff and the fans, thank you!
Ben Chilwell
“I will never forget the experience of being with the boys when we won the league in 2016, making my debut, fulfilling my dream of playing in the Premier League and also playing in the Champions League.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and support of everyone at the club.
“I have made friends I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life and although a tough decision, I’m really excited for the next step in my career.
“I would like to thank everyone associated with Leicester City – Khun Vichai and Khun Top, the managers, my teammates, the backroom staff and the fans, thank you!
“The club will always have a special place in my heart! I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future and I will always be keeping an eye out and hoping for the best for everyone involved at Leicester.”
The Blues boss gave the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham their big first-team breaks at Stamford BridgeCredit: Andy Hooper
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
