Liam Delap says his ‘hunger and desire’ to win major trophies was a significant factor in his decision to join Chelsea.
Chelsea put an end to weeks of speculation this evening as it was announced that they had completed a £30million deal for the young Ipswich striker.
The 22-year-old, who came through Manchester City’s academy, has put pen to paper on a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, tying him to the Blues until 2031.
It comes after Delap enjoyed an impressive first full season in the Premier League for a struggling Ipswich side, racking up 12 goals and two assists in 37 appearances. The forward’s goalscoring exploits saw him shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award.
Manchester United provided strong competition in the race to sign Delap, but the allure of Champions League football and the presence of Enzo Maresca – who worked with the forward at City – helped give Chelsea the edge.
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‘The most important thing for me last summer was going somewhere where I could play a lot of minutes,’ Delap told Chelsea’s official website.
‘That was the opportunity I felt I needed, to go and express myself and show the player I am. Ipswich gave me that opportunity, which was so important, and I’m very grateful for that.’
Delap has fond memories of watching Chelsea as a youngster and is ‘hungry’ to help lead the club back to their former glory.
‘Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,’ he added.
‘I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
‘The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.’
The England Under-21 international is pleased that his many years of hard ‘graft’ while rising through the ranks have paid off.
‘Since I was eight or nine years old, I was focused on football,’ he went on.
‘I never wanted to do anything else, and I’ve given everything I could to make it happen.
‘It’s such a long and hard period and things can be tough for you, but I’ve always enjoyed it. I just love football; I’d be playing with my mates if I wasn’t a professional.
‘Fortunately, I’m alright at it – and I’m delighted that graft has worked out and I’m here now at Chelsea.’
After the move was confirmed by Chelsea, Delap took to Instagram to thank those who had supported him on his journey at Ipswich.
‘Thank you for everything, Ipswich Town. The team, manager, staff and club have been incredible from the moment I arrived,’ he wrote.
‘To the fans, I appreciate the support you gave me week in week out, from the stands at home and on the road. I’m sure this club will be back in the Premier League soon, where it belongs.
‘I’ll never forget my time at the Town! Now it’s time for a new challenge.’
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