Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea: What Marina Granovskaia said after deal suggests major change
Posted Thursday, January 24, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Gonzalo Higuain is officially a Chelsea player (Image: GETTT)
GONZALO HIGUAIN has completed his loan move to Chelsea.
The west Londoners announced the signing of the Juventus hitman earlier this evening.
Higuain, who has elected to take the no.9 shirt, has joined the Blues on loan until the end of the season.
The Argentine international’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has given Chelsea a much-needed boost up front and paved the way for Alvaro Morata to join Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the season.
Prior to sanctioning a move for Higuain, it was understood that Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia had major reservations over a deal for the former Napoli man.
The Russian-Canadian was concerned the move wouldn’t benefit the club given the fact Higuain is 31 years old and has struggled for goals during his loan spell at AC Milan.
However, upon announcing the deal, Granovskaia revealed that she had a change of heart.
“Gonzalo was our number one target in this transfer window and arrives with a proven record at the highest level," she said.
“He has previously worked with Maurizio to great effect and is familiar with how the coach likes to play.
“This was not an easy deal for us to do because of the numerous parties involved, but we are delighted we were able to make it happen and we look forward to seeing the impact Gonzalo will make for us in the second half of the season.”
Higuain is delighted to have sealed a move to the Premier League so late in his career and relishing the challenge that awaits him.
And it could mean a change in transfer policy for the Blues, who have been reluctant to sign players in the thirties in the past.
“When the opportunity to join Chelsea presented itself I had to take it,” the former Real Madrid and Napoli man said.
“It’s a team I’ve always liked that has a lot of history, a wonderful stadium and they play in the Premier League, a league I’ve always wanted to play in.
“I now hope I can give back that trust Chelsea have shown me out on the pitch. I can’t wait to start and I hope to adapt as soon as possible.”
Higuain’s move to Stamford Bridge will see him reunited with Maurizio Sarri, who managed him during his spell at Napoli.
Gonzalo Higuain was on loan at AC Milan (Image: GETTY)
Higuain enjoyed the best spell of his career during his lone season under the Italian, scoring 38 goals in 42 appearances for the Gli Azzurri.
Chelsea will next be in action tomorrow night in the second leg of there Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Tottenham.
Higuain could make his debut for the Blues against Spurs, but only if he was officially registered as a Chelsea player before midday.
Photos
More»
Ex-Barcelona WAG strips completely naked
Thursday April 18 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Real Madrid end City's UCL dream
Thursday April 18 2024
Glam British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off bum
Wednesday April 17 2024
Your Say