Morgan Rogers has revealed that ongoing conversations with childhood friend Cole Palmer were instrumental in his record-breaking £117million transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea. The England international becomes the most expensive British player of all time.
Rogers, who signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge, said the pair have been discussing playing together for some time. '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,' he told Chelsea's website.
The 21-year-old added that Palmer has been 'non-stop ringing my phone' and that teaming up with his friend is 'the most special thing'. Both players are capable of operating in the No 10 role but are expected to complement each other under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Rogers also credited Alonso, who took charge in July, for convincing him to choose Chelsea over Arsenal. '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,' he explained.
