Ross Barkley Joins Chelsea

Premier League champions, Chelsea have completed the signing of Ross Barkley from Everton.

The 24-year-old was on the verge of joining the blues last summer before the deal fell through due to his hamstring injury.

But after a positive report on his rehabilitation, Chelsea have snapped him up on a five-year-deal for a fee reported to be £15 million.

Barkley would have become a free agent in the summer if he had stayed on at Everton but the player says he's excited with the move and raring to go.

"I'm overwhelmed, I'm looking forward to it and I'm really excited to get started," Barkley said.

"To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it's unbelievable for me. I'm looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game."

Barkley has been handed the No.8 shirt at Stamford Bridge. The shirt was made famous by Chelsea's all-time record goalscorer Frank Lampard.

"Ross is a player we have long admired and are certain he will prove to be an important player for Chelsea," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said.

"He possesses outstanding technical and physical attributes, matched with good experience of the Premier League and a strong desire to succeed at the highest level.

"We welcome him to the club and look forward to seeing him in action."

The England International is yet to play this season but moves to Stamford Bridge having scored 21 goals in 150 Premier League appearances since debuting for Everton in 2011.