Ugochukwu reveals the key role played by Mauricio Pochettino in tempting him to join Chelsea

Lesley Ugochukwu has revealed the role played by Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino in his decision to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.

The France U21 international of Nigerian descent ended his 11-year association with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in the just concluded transfer window to join Chelsea for a fee in the region of 27 million euros.

A season long-loan move to the Blues' sister club Strasbourg was initially mooted for him but he eventually stayed at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old has found it difficult to nail a place in the starting XI since the start of the season, starting two games so far in the colours of the Stamford Bridge outfit.

In a recent interview, the Super Eagles-eligible midfielder has disclosed the role played by Pochettino in his decision to join the two-time European champions.

"When I heard that Chelsea were interested in me I didn't ask myself any questions," Ugochukwu told talkSPORT.

"I thought 'it's one of the biggest clubs in the world' so I had to go there.

"Every player wants to be in the best team with the best coach and Pochettino is part of that.

"In one of my first starts in the French league was against Pochettino [at Paris Saint-Germain] so when I came to the US he told me that I was one of the guys who made him love the league."

He will be hoping the Argentine tactician can trust him with a starting role when Chelsea face Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

Since the start of the campaign, Ugochukwu has made 5 appearances across all competitions for the London based club.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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