Jadon Sancho has revealed the reason he chose to leave Manchester United this summer as he broke his silence following a move to Chelsea.
The Blues emerged as a potential suitor for Sancho late in the transfer window, with the English winger having been frozen out by manager Erik ten Hag at the beginning of the Premier League season.
It came after the pair had a high-profile bust-up last season and while Sancho was present on United's pre-season tour of the States, he didn't make up part of the manager's plans this term.
There had been talk of a swap deal involving wantaway forward Raheem Sterling, but a deal between Chelsea and United failed to materialise, meaning the former had to negotiate terms with the latter in order to progress with the Sancho transfer.
Speaking after penning the move, Sancho said: "I’m really excited to be here. London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back.
"The manager spoke to me about the project and, for a young player, it’s exciting. Hopefully, I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge.
"Chelsea is iconic. My idols growing up were Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard and now I have the opportunity to play for this club like them. It’s a great feeling."
On the prospect of working under Enzo Maresca this summer, Sancho commented: "I think it’s the manager who really drew me to the project.
Read more... Chelsea cancelled record transfer deal 'after FIFA and Prem intervention' [LATEST]
"I knew him from his time with Pep Guardiola in Manchester City. He spoke to me on the phone about this project and what he was building here, and for a young player like myself it’s exciting and I can’t wait to get started.
"They’re signing me for a reason and to contribute to the team, and I’m ready to do that.
"I enjoy his style of play. The wingers when they get on the ball, he loves them to go one versus one and be direct. We play a lot of one-twos with the 10s and the striker combination plays. It’s very attractive and it’s a style that I play."
For United, they'll just be thankful to have got Sancho off the wage bill, while also negotiating a permanent departure for the attacker.
While Sancho is officially on loan this season, the two-time European champions have an obligation to buy - a fee which could rise to £25million, as per the Manchester Evening News.
The specific amount will depend on where Chelsea finish in the Premier League this season, but United will at least bag £20m as a bare minimum.
Both clubs are involved in Premier League action tomorrow, with Chelsea hosting Crystal Palace, as United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford.