Chelsea's sixth January arrival Noni Madueke has named Eden Hazard as his favourite Blues player from the past. The 20-year-old was confirmed as signing number six for the winter window following Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana through the door at Stamford Bridge.
Despite an injury-ridden campaign thus far, his impressive displays had courted the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. But, Chelsea won the race; football.london understands that new technical director Christopher Vivell was a driving force behind signing Madueke, having previously tried to do so at RB Leipzig.
Madueke follows Cody Gakpo, who joined Liverpool, as a major January departure from Dutch outfit PSV, although it is unlikely the two will square off on Saturday when Chelsea travel to Anfield for their next Premier League fixture.
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"I’m really pleased to sign with one of the best clubs in the world in Chelsea," the England youth international told the official Chelsea website. "To return to England and play in the Premier League is a dream for me and my family and I can’t wait to get started. I am excited for what the future holds, the owner's vision for the future and to be at a club like this and winning at the highest level."
Madueke then offered Chelsea fans a further insight into his game, divulging his preferred position along with his reasons for joining the club. “I started off as a central midfielder and then transitioned to right wing, maybe when I was 16/17.
"My hometown is London. Chelsea is the best club in London, isn’t it? So, that one is pretty obvious. It’s really exciting, a lot of young players, a lot of talented players, hungry. I’m blessed to be part of the project and hopefully very soon we’ll start reaping the rewards of it.”
Perhaps the one claim that would have likely captured the attention of most Blues supporters was his response to being asked who his favourite Chelsea player from the past is. "That's difficult, I'd probably have to say Eden Hazard, a just get you of your seat kind of player. So exciting in terms of the flair and that. There's definitely similarities but I hope to be as good as him one day."
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