Hakim Ziyech has bid an emotional farewell to Ajax.
On July 1, 2020 the Morocco international will officially become a Chelsea player, almost five months after his £33.4m transfer was confirmed by both clubs.
After four successful years with Ajax which has seen Ziyech develop into one of the finest playmakers across Europe, it's understandably difficult for him to say goodbye to teammates and the coaching staff.
Taking to social media after his final training session with the Dutch giants, Ziyech penned a lenghty farewell message to those connected Ajax as he prepares to embark on a new journey with the Blues.
"The last 4 years were amazing. I don’t even know where to start for expressing how I’ve experienced this journey," he wrote on Instagram.
"I guess making the Europa League final, making the Champions League semi-final, winning the Johan Cruijffschaal, winning the KNVB Beker, winning the Eredivisie and becoming football player of the year says enough about how beautiful these years were.
"I want to thank everyone at @afcajax for making this next step possible.
"You have all played a part in my progression over the last years. I hope you are proud of that, at least I’m proud to have worn the jersey of the best team in the Netherlands.
"Until we meet again."
Ziyech will be one of two new arrivals at Stamford Bridge this week along with Timo Werner, and Blues head coach Frank Lampard has admitted the double deal will increase the pressure on his shoulders.
"Yeah it probably does, and I get that,” said Lampard ahead of his side's 2-1 win over Aston Villa. "There's pressure in the Chelsea job whatever.
"There are expectations to whatever degree, we're a well-supported club, well-followed club and scrutiny is big as we know.
"That's why we love the Premier League and why we're trying to do our best. So I don't mind the idea, I get it.
"We're trying to improve here. I'm under no illusions. I want us to improve first and foremost.”
