Ross Barkley finally ended his Everton nightmare with a £15m move to Chelsea on Friday.
The England international, 24, has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with last season’s Premier League champions.
Barkley, who leaves Everton after 13 years at Goodison Park, has not played for seven months because of a hamstring injury and had surgery in August.
“He’s very young and has a lot of space for improvement,” said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
“He’s a good prospect but at the same time, it will be very important to understand, if the player signs, we must have the patience to help him recover.”
Aside from his obvious perseverance and persistence, here are other important facts about the Blues’ new no 8.
- Grandfather is Nigerian
Barkley was eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his granddad but opted for the Three Lions instead. He made his international debut in the 4-0 victory over Moldova in 2013.
- Loves cooking
When he is not on the pitch, Barkley keeps himself busy in the kitchen. In fact, the 24-year-old claims if he wasn’t a footballer, he would have been a chef. His favourite food is roast dinner or Scouse.
- Models his game after Jack Rodwell
As shocking as it may seem, Barkley looks up to forgotten English star, Jack Rodwell. Perhaps that sprung forth having played together with the Sunderland star at Everton.
- Started off as a defender
Barkley joined Everton in 2005 as a centre-back. He leaves Goodison Park transformed into an attacking midfielder with an unusual appetite for goals.
