Liam Delap reveals why he's chosen to join Chelsea after snubbing Man Utd

Metro

2 days ago

Liam Delap says his 'hunger and desire' to win major trophies was a significant factor in his decision to join Chelsea.
Chelsea put an end to weeks of speculation this evening as it was announced that they had completed a £30million deal for the Ipswich striker.
The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, tying him to the Blues until 2031.
It comes Delap enjoyed an eye-catching first full season in the Premier League, in which he racked netted 12 times a struggling Ipswich side. The forward's goalscoring exploits saw him shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award.
Manchester United provided strong competition in the race to sign Delap, but the allure of Champions League football and the presence of Enzo Maresca – who the forward worked with at Manchester City – gave Chelsea the edge.
'The most important thing for me last summer was going somewhere where I could play a lot of minutes,' Delap told Chelsea's official website.
'That was the opportunity I felt I needed, to go and express myself and show the player I am. Ipswich gave me that opportunity, which was so important, and I'm very grateful for that.'
Delap has fond memories of watching Chelsea as a youngster is 'hungry' to help lead the club back to their former glory again.
'Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,' he added.
'I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
'The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.'
The England Under-21 international is pleased that his many years of hard 'graft' have paid off. More Trending
'Since I was eight or nine years old, I was focused on football,' he went on.
'I never wanted to do anything else, and I've given everything I could to make it happen.
'It's such a long and hard period and things can be tough for you, but I've always enjoyed it. I just love football; I'd be playing with my mates if I wasn't a professional.
'Fortunately, I'm alright at it – and I'm delighted that graft has worked out and I'm here now at Chelsea.'