Hakim Ziyech has revealed how Frank Lampard ‘convinced’ him to join Chelsea and explained why he believes a move to Stamford Bridge will ‘suit him well’.
Chelsea shocked the Premier League just after the january transfer window shut and managed to secure a bargain deal for Ziyech to join in the summer, with the fee believed to be around the £37 million mark.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed four productive seasons at Ajax and has become one of the most creative players in Europe right now, but he believes he is moving to Chelsea at the right time, and the move to the Premier League should make him a much better player.
‘Now, everything feels right,’ Ziyech told Voetbal International. ‘Chelsea is a very big and nice club. ‘There are a lot of talented youngsters, which puts me in a position I’m used to after the last three-and-a-half years at Ajax. It suits me well.
‘Chelsea has a coach who loves attacking and attractive football in Frank Lampard. I feel the same way. ‘We had some good talks. Lampard is really calm and presented himself well. We immediately felt a connection, which also convinced me to make this decision.
‘Therefore, now is the time to make a move. I’m ready, also as a person.’
He added: ‘It will be a new phase of my life to be further away from my family and friends in London. ‘I don’t see it as a struggle, quite the opposite actually. I’m really looking forward to it. ‘I will give it my utmost, and will learn so many new things that will make me grow even further.’