This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
Chelsea's new signing, Christian Pulisic, has expressed his eagerness to replace Eden Hazard, who left the club for Real Madrid this summer.
Pulisic, a 20-year-old American international, was signed from Borussia Dortmund in January for £58 million, but spent the remainder of the 2018/19 season at the German club before joining Chelsea this summer.
With Chelsea facing a two-year transfer ban, Pulisic has been touted as a potential replacement for Hazard, and he believes he has the skills to improve the team in Hazard's absence.
"I think I have a lot of speed and creativity that I can bring to the game; quickness and different attacking abilities that can really help the team," Pulisic told GAFFER Magazine.
He added, "I think I have some tools that can really do well in this league [Premier League]. I just can’t wait," he declared.
Pulisic has since linked up with his new Chelsea teammates on their pre-season tour of Japan, where he has acknowledged the excitement of playing for the club under Frank Lampard, a player he idolized growing up.
"When I think of this club, there's a lot of great players that come to mind. I grew up watching Frank Lampard," he said.
"To me, Chelsea were always one of the biggest teams and now to be playing here, it's really come full circle from that moment. It feels amazing," he added.
Pulisic could make his debut for Chelsea in the pre-season clash with Kawasaki Frontale on Friday, July 19.
