Timo Werner says Frank Lampard was the main reason he decided to join Chelsea this summer. The 23-year-old Germany forward joined from RB Leipzig for £47.5 million, signing a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and he has now begun training with his new side.
Explaining why he chose the Blues, Werner told the club’s official website: “He [Lampard] was the main point. We talked a lot about things like the system, how he wants to play and sees me playing, and how the system fits me. He is a really nice guy who not only told me what he wants from me as a player because he wants to help me as a guy. He knows me now a little bit better and it fits very well between us and now I am happy to be here.” After four successful years with Leipzig, Werner was keen to ensure he made the right move once he decided to leave. He left Leipzig as the club’s record goalscorer, including 34 goals in 45 games in 2019-20, and he will be looking to continue that form in his new, more storied surroundings. Werner watched as Chelsea beat Wolves 2-0 to secure Champions League football for next season before beginning ‘pre-season’ training on Monday.
The 24-year-old, who joined in with his new team-mates on Tuesday, says he looked up to the likes of Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech and hopes to be part of an exciting future at the club. He told Chelsea’s website: “I know of the players before when they won the Champions League with Drogba, with my new manager Frank Lampard, Petr Cech as the technical advisor. It is like a little dream for me but I want to become, not the same player like them, but I want to be part of a new era here so I will play to try to give my best.” Werner also said Lampard’s style of play and personality was a big reason why he chose to leave Germany for the Premier League.
Kai Havertz is pushing hard to join Werner at Chelsea and wants his club Bayer Leverkusen to agree a deal with before the club’s Europa League match against Rangers next week. Hakim Ziyech has also begun training with his Chelsea team-mates after moving from Ajax as he prepares for the start of the new Premier League on the weekend of September 12-13. It is the start of an exciting new era for the club & blues fans cannot wait to see the fresh signings make impact in the new season.
