Moises Caicedo is hoping to emulate Claude Makelele and N’Golo Kante at Chelsea after completing his club-record move to the club.
Caicedo has signed for Chelsea from Brighton in a deal worth an initial £100m, though the fee could rise to a British record £115m with add-ons.
The west Londoners beat Liverpool to the signing of the Ecuador international, who impressed as Brighton secured a top-six finish and Europa League qualification last season.
Caicedo has excelled as an industrious defensive midfielder with the Seagulls and revealed he grew up idolising former Chelsea favourites Makelele and Kante.
“Makelele and Kante were an inspiration to me,” the 21-year-old told the club’s official website.
“They were so humble on the pitch. I think I can say we share similar qualities, but they were better. But now I am going to give everything for this club because they did so much for me.
“When I was a kid, I supported Chelsea and used to watch the games. Now it is amazing to be here. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I can’t wait to start with the guys, to give my best and to write my own story.”
Caicedo has had a rapid rise since signing for Brighton from Independiente del Valle for a fee of just £4.5m in February 2021 and hopes his path to Chelsea can serve as inspiration to kids back home in his native Ecuador.
“I also know there are a lot of kids in Ecuador behind me,” Caicedo said.
“I have to be an example for them. I want to represent my country in the best way I can. The people there support me. They wear my shirt. They are an inspiration as well to keep working hard.”
