Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Christian Atsu's hoping to emulate Chelsea icons Didier Drogba and Michael Essien
CHELSEA new boy Christian Atsu has revealed he is hoping to emulate his fellow countrymen Didier Drogba and Michael Essien after signing in the last window.
Atsu put pen to paper on a five-year deal and was immediately loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.
The 21-year-old is currently training with the Ghana squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier, and admits Chelsea was too good an opportunity to turn down.
"When Chelsea came for me, I saw a good opportunity to work with a massive club and a great coach," Atsu told BBC Sport.
"I know I have to prove myself at Vitesse first and I'm determined to do just that."
Atsu also added Essien played a big part in his decision to move to Stamford Bridge.
He added: "I have a lot of respect for Essien because playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world is not easy.
"I know that I've a long way to go to get anywhere close to what he's done.
"Hopefully, one day I'll be mentioned in the same breadth as Essien and Didier Drogba."