Boyhood Chelsea fan Alejandro Garnacho has revealed that watching Eden Hazard as a child inspired him to sign for the club.
The Argentine forward completed his £40million move from Manchester United to west London on Saturday, and was in attendance at Stamford Bridge as the Blues beat Fulham 2-0 to extend their unbeaten start to the new season.
Photos of a young Garnacho adorned in Chelsea kit emerged online after he signed, and, speaking publicly for the first time since signing, he admitted that watching Hazard tear up the Premier League led him to support the club.
“I used to watch the Premier League when I was young,” he explained.
“Chelsea, because I like Eden Hazard. That’s why I support Chelsea.
“I just bought the kit because I like football.”
He went on, explaining that he tries to emulate Hazard’s style of play in his own game.
“He was a reference. How he plays, the same position, and everything, so he is a big reference.
“I never feel nervous when I play. Sometimes you can play better, sometimes you play bad, but I never have this feeling. I can bring something, I can help the team, that is why I am here and that’s what I will try to do.”
Hazard enjoyed seven trophy-laden years at Chelsea, winning the Premier League and Europa League twice each.
Garnacho is already well on his way to matching his silverware haul, having won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Man United.
He is also a Copa America champion with Argentina, where he plays alongside his new Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez, who helped convince him to join Chelsea.
“I spoke with Enzo because he is my friend from the national team. I can’t wait to work together.
“It's an incredible feeling to join this incredible club, so I can’t wait to start playing. It's a bigger step.
“The situation of the club is a good step for me, for my career, so hopefully it’ll go well for me.”
