Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has opened up on Chelsea's new recruit Carney Chukwuemeka, who recently completed his £20million switch to Stamford Bridge, insisting a precedent had to be set on players who are not prepared to commit themselves to the club.
The young midfielder, who drew interest from the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan, decided to move to Stamford Bridge after both Todd Boehly and Thomas Tuchel played a big part in convincing the youngster of the new project in SW6. At only 18 years old, the common perception was that like Omari Hutchinson, Chukwuemeka would be going on loan for the upcoming 2022/23 season. However, this isn't to be the case with the exciting talent expected to be in the squad that travels to Merseyside for the opening Premier League fixture against Everton.
Speaking on his move, the Villa contract rebel said: "To hear myself say I play for Chelsea Football Club means the world to me. I've been a fan of Chelsea since I was young. Playing football as a young kid was more about just loving and enjoying kicking a ball around, every young footballer dreams of playing for a big club and representing the club that they've supported so to put the badge on for the first time today is honestly an amazing feeling. I feel like I just want to bring myself, try and be unique and be a player for Chelsea that has never been seen before at this football club.
