'In Nigeria, it is one of the big clubs that everyone supports' - Ugochukwu on his move to Chelsea 

Lesley Ugochukwu could not turn down the chance to join Chelsea in the summer transfer window despite the fact that he was guaranteed game time at his boyhood club Rennes in the new season.

When all the players are fit, the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who cost a combined €299.1 million, are believed to be ahead of Ugochukwu in Mauricio Pochettino's pecking order of defensive midfielders.

The France U21 international of Nigerian descent put pen to paper on a seven-year contract with the Blues, with a club option for the 2030-2031 season.

Ugochukwu comes from a footballing family - his father was a central defender and his uncle Onyekachi Apam needs no introduction having represented Nigeria's Flying Eagles, Olympic national team and Super Eagles before hanging up his boots. 

Ugochukwu's Nigerian heritage has helped him adjust to life in England and he's delighted to join one of the most well supported football clubs in Nigeria. 

In quotes relayed by Chelsea's official website, Ugochukwu said: "I have parents of Nigerian origin so it’s easier for speaking English, too.

"My parents stayed to live in Rennes. Of course, sometimes I would like to see them more often, but that’s how life is. Mentally I was prepared.

"Signing for a club like Chelsea means something for them, too. In Nigeria, it is one of the big clubs that everyone supports. They were super happy.

"At home we are always happy, and to see that there has been this good news in our family is great. My parents did a lot for me and my brothers and sisters. It’s important to give back to them what they gave me."

The 19-year-old Ugochukwu has logged eight minutes in the Premier League and went the full ninety against AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup.

Ifeany Emmanuel 

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