Why Alejandro Garnacho is a Chelsea fan as he reveals his boyhood hero - 'I like'

Alejandro Garnacho has revealed that Eden Hazard is the reason he is a Chelsea fan. Garnacho, 21, signed for the Blues in a £40million deal from Manchester United on Saturday.

The Argentina international wanted to join Enzo Maresca's throughout the summer after informing United of his desire to explore different opportunities earlier in the transfer window.

However, Garnacho, who didn't feature in each of United's first three competitive matches while he was at the club, had to be patient and wait for his blockbuster late move to Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Palmer, Delap, Lavia - Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Brentford

READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho shows true colours with classy Chelsea message for deadline day signing

Chelsea confirmed the arrival of Garnacho on a seven-year contract before their win over Fulham. And after the deal had been announced, the ex-United man claimed he supported the Blues as a child.

He then added that Hazard, who scored 110 goals and added 88 assists in 352 appearances during a trophy-laden seven-year stint in west London, is the player that made him become a Chelsea fan.

Speaking to Chelsea's club website, Garnacho admitted: "I loved Eden Hazard. Eden was one of my idols and a big reason why I watched and supported Chelsea a bit when I was younger. He was such an incredible player, playing in the same position that I wanted to, coming inside, scoring goals – he was crazy good."

But Hazard wasn't the only player to helped contribute to Garnacho's move to Chelsea. Indeed, Argentina teammate and midfielder Enzo Fernandez did some work persuading him to join the Blues.

Garnacho added: "I spoke to Enzo during the summer because he had been asking a lot of times, 'When are you coming? When are you coming?

"I kept saying that he had to be patient, and we would play together. He texted me when I joined to say congratulations, and I can’t wait to see him and play together.

"I had to be patient too, but now I can't wait to get started."

Garnacho could make his Chelsea debut when they travel to Brentford on Saturday, September 13 at 8pm. The Blues face four successive away matches after the international break, meaning he is going to have to wait until Saturday, September 27 to make his home bow, as Brighton are the visitors.