Ben
Chilwell admits Frank Lampard was a big influence on him joining the
Chelsea, having idolised the former midfielder growing up.
Chilwell had been a long-term target for Lampard and, after his move from
Leicester this summer, the 23-year-old says he could never have imagined
playing under his current manager when he used to watch him as a child.
"I used to watch England play in the international breaks and, when I was
younger, it was more just enjoying watching them," said Chilwell.
"They had a lot of great players, including the gaffer, but it never crossed
my mind that I might play under him in the future!
"I used to enjoy watching him play, he was a great footballer and that was
obviously a big reason for me coming here, playing under someone I idolised,
watched and respected growing up."
Chilwell has also been in contact with Chelsea legend Ashley Cole since his
move to west London. The left-back made over 200 appearances during his time
at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League and Premier League, and
Chilwell aims to follow in his footsteps.
"Coming to Chelsea, as well as talking to the manager, a big factor for me
was Ashley Cole, seeing the career he had here. I want to emulate that," he
said.
"To have someone like that who's played for Chelsea and English, it was
important for me. I spoke to my agent because I was quite keen to meet him
and get to know him, pick his brains about what Chelsea means to him as a
club and how he reached the success he reached here.
"Like I said, I was quite keen to have that chat with Frank to find out
stuff like that too. I'm going to work as hard as I can over the next few
years to emulate what he's done here."
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