New Chelsea FC recruit and Nigerian international Victor Moses has expressed his delight at finally sorting out his future which has been one of this summer’s long drawn saga.
Moses sealed a £9 million pound ($14.2 million) move from Wigan Athletic to Chelsea over the weekend and was presented to the Stamford Bridge crowd on Saturday just before Chelsea’s 2 : 0 win over Newcastle.
In a chat with Chelsea TV, the 21 year old said: “I am delighted to be here. I am happy to come back to London as I grew up here and it is a great honour to play for the club that won the Champions League.”
Moses also admits he was surprised when he knew the Blues where after his signature and reveals his reason for signing for Roberto Di Matteo’s side.
“When I first heard that Chelsea had come in for me I was surprised, but I had a call from my agent… I said they are European Champions and anyone would like to play there and now that everything is sorted, I am delighted.”
The former Crystal Palace player who will net Palace 20 percent of the transfer fee says he is versatile and can play anywhere.
“Growing up I used to play centre-back in a Sunday league team but I had the feeling I could play further forward. When I was scouted by Crystal Palace I started in centre-midfield. Then I ended up playing as a striker, left wing, on the right- everywhere really.”
While looking forward to playing for the Blues, Moses still has an eye on his county’s next game which is an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
“For Nigeria I have games coming up against Liberia and I am looking forward to them. They are home and away and whoever wins will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.”
In a related development Moses’ team-mate and Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien has moved to distance himself from reports linking him away from the club.
The 29 year old is currently not regarded as a first-team player for the Blues. In fact, reports suggest Chelsea are open to offers for the Ghana international.
However, British tabloid the Telegraph quotes Essien as saying, “My intention is to stay and I’m looking forward to the new season; I still have two more years here. I’m still here, I’m still around.”
Essien has had several knee injuries in the last couple of years but the former Lyon of France midfielder says, “the injuries I have had are just a part of the game and when they happen you just have to get yourself back. But I’m now available and will be there when the manager calls on me.”
Essien was a record African signing for the Blues when he joined for £24.4 million pounds ($36 million) in 2005.
Image via AP
