Romeo Lavia makes feelings clear as Chelsea confirm transfer following Liverpool snub
Romeo Lavia has turned down Liverpool in order to join Chelsea
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Romeo Lavia has made it clear he's delighted to be at Chelsea after the Blues confirmed his arrival on Friday morning.
The midfielder moves to Stamford Bridge from Southampton, having turned down the chance to play under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Lavia had been eyed by the Reds in the wake of their failure to acquire Moises Caicedo, who also moved to Chelsea.
However, he decided to snub their interest having been persuaded to become the latest player to join Mauricio Pochettino's side this summer.
Romeo Lavia has spoken out after snubbing Liverpool to join Chelsea
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And Lavia, reacting to his move to west London, said: "I’m really happy join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project.
"It’s an amazing football club with a great history and I’m really excited to get started.
"I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together."
Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: "We are very pleased to welcome Romeo to Chelsea.
"He demonstrated his quality in the Premier League last season at Southampton, showing maturity despite his young age, and is a player we have monitored for some time.
"We believe he is ready to make an impact at Chelsea throughout the current campaign, and in the coming years."
Lavia took to social media earlier in the day to bid farewell to Southampton, thanking the club for everything they've done for him.
"To Saints Fans. As I say goodbye, I want to say a big thank you for everything you have given me during my time here," he said.
"I've instantly felt the love from you all despite us not achieving our shared goals.
"I'll never forget the belief the club and Saints all around the world showed me and I hope I was able to repay the faith you put in me.
"I would especially like to thank all my teammates and all staff members within the club involved closely or not for putting your arms around me since the day I walked through the Staplewood Campus and for all the daily work and help behind the scenes making me become a better person, athlete and football player.
"You have all played a massive part into making my integration into real professional football easier.
"I will be forever grateful to you.
"For those reasons, this club will always remain close to my heart.
"Good luck this season and I look forward to seeing the club marching back to the Premier League where it belongs very soon! Thank you Saints. Romeo."
Lavia will now compete with the likes of Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu for a place in Pochettino's starting XI.
And he's also become the club's latest addition.
As well as Caicedo and Lavia, the Blues strengthened their midfield by signing Ugochukwu from Ligue 1 side Rennes.
They raided Brighton for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who is now No 1 following Kepa Arrizabalaga's move to Real Madrid.
Nicholas Jackson touched down from Villarreal, with the 22-year-old set to lead Chelsea's attack this season.
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Moises Caicedo also turned down Liverpool in order to move to Chelsea
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And they've also recruited Angelo, Axel Disasi and Christopher Nkunku as well.
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