Now former Everton defender Ross Barkley had a bizarre end to his summer transfer window, but that narrative reached its inevitable conclusion today.
Chelsea Football Club officially announced his arrival today.
Welcome to Chelsea, Ross Barkley!
Full story ? https://t.co/yRzCCYobbd #WelcomeBarkley pic.twitter.com/CvIInoMEIL
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2018
Back in the summer Barkley and his reps disputed widespread reports that he went to West London to undergo a Chelsea FC medical.
Barkley’s assertions also contradicted the public comments of Everton Owner Farhad Moshiri, who maintained that Barkley opted out of joining Chelsea at the last minute, right after under going his medical tests at the Blues Cobham training ground. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte did his part too; dismissing the Barkley stories as “ridiculous.”
That was then, this is now, as the 24-year-old inked a five and a half year deal reportedly worth £15.
Barkley’s statement on Chelsea’s official website reads: “I’m overwhelmed, I’m looking forward to it and I’m really excited to get started.”
“To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it’s unbelievable for me. I’m looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game.”
Club director Marina Granovskaia added:
“Ross is a player we have long admired and are certain he will prove to be an important player for Chelsea. He possesses outstanding technical and physical attributes, matched with good experience of the Premier League and a strong desire to succeed at the highest level. We welcome him to the club and look forward to seeing him in action.”
Ross Barkley will wear the No. 8 shirt, once worn art Stamford Bridge by one of his heroes, Frank Lampard.
https://twitter.com/Conteholic/status/949331864778690560
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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