Moises Caicedo is hoping to emulate heroes Claude Makelele and N’Golo Kante after finally completing his big-money move to Chelsea.
After weeks of protracted negotiations with Brighton that were followed by a fierce transfer fight with Liverpool, the Blues landed their top summer target at last on Monday evening.
Chelsea are paying a huge £100million up front for Caicedo plus £15m in achievable add-ons, with the total £115m package seeing the club break the British transfer record for the second time this year following their £107.8m capture of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica on deadline day in the January window.
The Ecuador international has agreed a bumper eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge that includes the option for a further 12 months beyond that, having only ever had eyes for Chelsea despite Liverpool first seeing an offer worth £110m for the former Arsenal target accepted last week.
In his first full interview at Cobham, lifelong Chelsea fan Caicedo opened up on his Blues midfield heroes after confirming that he did not have to think twice about joining his boyhood idols despite that rival interest from Anfield.
“Makelele and Kante were an inspiration to me,” the 21-year-old told Chelsea’s official website.
‘”They were so humble on the pitch. I think I can say we share similar qualities, but they were better. But now I am going to give everything for this club because they did so much for me.
“When I was a kid, I supported Chelsea and used to watch the games. Now it is amazing to be here. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I can’t wait to start with the guys, to give my best and to write my own story.”
Caicedo watched Chelsea draw 1-1 with Liverpool in new manager Mauricio Pochettino’s first competitive game in charge on Sunday and was impressed with the performance, insisting he will fit in quickly and seamlessly with their style of play as he immediately targets trophy success in west London this season.
“I watched the game at the hotel, and I supported the players from there,” Caicedo added.
“The team was so good. I enjoyed it a lot. The new Chelsea players did really well. I wanted to be on the pitch with them! I like the style of football, it’s good for me. I am sure I am going to adapt very quickly.
“I don’t hope, I am sure we are going to win a lot of titles with this amazing club, to put Chelsea where they deserve to be.”
Scroll through the gallery at the top of the page to see the first pictures of Moises Caicedo at Chelsea!
