Rogers Reveals Alonso Influence, Palmer Friendship Behind Chelsea Move

New Chelsea signing Morgan Rogers has revealed that manager Xabi Alonso’s football philosophy was a major factor in his decision to join the club in a record-breaking £117 million transfer from Aston Villa.

Speaking in his first interview as a Chelsea player, Rogers said his conversations with Alonso convinced him that the manager’s approach perfectly matched his own vision of football and desire to express himself on the pitch.

“I’ve had a few conversations with him and I think it’s important for me to be here that I need to understand what the manager’s like, how he is and how he wants to operate,” Rogers told the club’s official website.

“It very much fits with the way I see the game, the way I want to play, and the way I want to be me, and be free and express myself. Him being a part of that was a massive factor in me being here.”

The 23-year-old also expressed his excitement at reuniting with close friend Cole Palmer, with whom he has shared a friendship since their days in England’s youth teams and at Manchester City.

“I’ve known Cole since I was about 14, first in the England youth teams and then when we were both at Man City together,” Rogers said.

“We’ve been speaking about this for a while; we always would love to have played together. So, for it to happen, we’re both excited. I think that’s probably the most special thing, playing with one of your best friends and being around him every day.”

Rogers, whose trademark celebration has been famously replicated by Palmer, also revealed that the Chelsea star has already been in constant contact since the transfer was completed.

“He’s non-stop ringing my phone, texting me, and I can’t wait,” Rogers added.