Kai Havertz has expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the fans, staff and teammates who have contributed to his progression in his ten-year tenure with Bayer Leverkusen following the announcement of his move to Chelsea on Friday night.
The 21-year-old was cleared to leave the German education camp in Stuttgart this week and flew to the UK for Chelsea’s sixth summer signing, after Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have reached an agreement around 70 million pounds, adding complements, with Leverkusen, turning the attacking midfielder into the most beloved moment in the club’s history after Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Havertz had been with Leverkusen since age 11 and was named as a future star as he worked his way through the club’s academy.
In a heartfelt letter to Leverkusen on Instagram, Havertz said he had fulfilled a “dream” by joining one of Europe’s “biggest clubs” at Chelsea.
“Dear fans, I find it difficult to describe my existing emotions. I still have no gratitude for Bayer 04 and the last 10 years at Leverkusen,” the young man published.
“When I was a kid, I grew up here with a dream. Here I not only have a professional and national player, but above all a user with values. Here I’ve made friends for life who will be with me for a long time.
“B04 raised me unconditionally from day one. And in the last few days, I’ve gained the understanding of the culprits of my decision.
“The dream I came here with at 11 has only grown in recent years in Leverkusen. It is transparent to me that one day I will play in one of the biggest clubs in Europe and gain delight abroad.
It’s time to express my sincere thanks to both and both and both of you, my teammates, the love, the coaches and the B04 squad. I’ll be hooked on my homeland and the club that’s been a part of my life.
“A special thank you to all the other people who have accompanied and supported me over the years. Stay healthy and take care. Yours, Kai. “
Havertz’s arrival west of London Frank Lampard now has three German internationals in his first team.
Werner, who finished his from Leipzig in June, wasted no time in welcoming his compatriot to the club.
“Welcome to Chelsea, my friend!” Werner posted on Twitter.
Antonio Rudiger, who played a key role in persuading Werner and Havertz to sign for Chelsea, gave the impression in a brilliant video shortly before the announcement.
Havertz is looking to the future to reunite his new teammates and coaches and told Chelsea’s official online page that it was a “dream come true” to join the club.
“I’m very satisfied and proud to be here, ” he said.
“For me, it’s a dream come true to play in a big club like Chelsea and I can’t wait to meet all the players and coaches.
“Yes, I’m very pleased to be here!”
Chelsea manager Marina Granovskaia added: “Kai is one of the players his age in world football, so we are very pleased that his career is long at Chelsea. “
“He has shown himself in one of the European leagues, plays for the German national team and is an exciting and dynamic talent.
“We are very happy to be able to bring versatility and quality to the team before the start of the season. “
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