Morgan Rogers reveals Xabi Alonso and Cole Palmer role in ‘special’ Chelsea transfer
Morgan Rogers has become the most expensive British player of all time and the new record Chelsea signing following his £117m transfer from Astin Villa.
Morgan Rogers has joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for £117m(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Morgan Rogers has revealed that Xabi Alonso and Cole Palmer each played key roles in his decision to join Chelsea. On Tuesday night, the Blues announced the signing of the 23-year-old attacking midfielder from Aston Villa, making him the most expensive British player of all time after finalising a deal worth £117million.
Upon signing a six-year contract with Chelsea, which includes the option of a further 12-months, Rogers explained why he decided to swap Villa Park for Stamford Bridge. Speaking to club media, the England international described Xabi Alonso as a ‘massive factor’ behind the move.
Rogers said: “I’ve had a few conversations with him, and I think it’s important for me to be here that I need to understand what the manager’s like, how he is and how he wants to operate.
“It very much fits with the way I see the game, the way I want to play, and the way I want to be me, and be free and express myself. Him being a part of that was a massive factor in me being here.”
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Palmer, who’s close friends with Rogers, was just as influential. The new Chelsea star said: “I’ve known Cole since I was about 14, first in the England (youth) teams and then when we were both at Man City together.
“We’ve been speaking about this for a while; we always would love to have played together. So, for it to happen, we’re both excited. He’s non-stop ringing my phone, texting me, and I can’t wait.
“I think that’s probably the most special thing, playing with one of your best friends and being around him every day. It’s something I’m really excited about.”
Palmer was one of the first to publicly congratulate Rogers on his transfer to Chelsea, uploading a collage of pictures from over the years to his Instagram story. Alongside three blue heart emojis, he wrote: “Playing for @chelseafc with one of your best friends in life>>>.”
The midfielder also posted three ‘happy face with hand over mouth’ emojis under Rogers’ post, announcing his move. At the time of writing, Palmer’s message has chalked up more likes than any other comment, surpassing the likes of Jude Bellingham and Reece James.
Now, Rogers is set to take a three-week break, having only recently returned from the United States following the World Cup. football.london understands that the England star isn’t expected to join his new Chelsea teammates for the upcoming pre-season tour.
By not featuring for Alonso’s side in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia, Rogers could make his debut on August 15, when the Blues host Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge. The clash against the La Liga outfit will be the manager’s first at his new home and the last before the new Premier League campaign.
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