Chelsea's new No.9 opened his account for the club in their 3-0 win over ES Tunis as the Blues reached the last-16 of the Club World Cup in the United States
Liam Delap says he's settling in well at Chelsea
Liam Delap says he's settling in well at Chelsea(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Liam Delap insists his decision to join Chelsea has been fully justified after they reached the Club World Cup knock-out stages.
Delap scored his first goal for Chelsea in their 3-0 win over ES Tunis to seal a last 16 tie against Benfica in Charlotte on Sunday. England under-21 star Delap had a host of offers - including Manchester United - when he decided to leave Ipswich but he opted to join Chelsea in a £30m switch.
Delap said: “That’s why I came to this club, that’s why I started playing football to play on big stages like this and I’m really excited. It was an incredible feeling to score. I came in to score goals and to get the first one over and done with is a great feeling.
“We just have to focus on the next game, focus on Benfica and everyone go out fighting and put up a performance to get into the next round.”
Delap says jetting straight out to the Club World Cup with his new club has really helped him settle in quickly and adapt to life at Chelsea.
Former Manchester City striker Delap, who worked with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at City’s academy, also admitted there was a sense of relief around scoring his first goal while he said he will cherish the memory.
Delap said: “It’s definitely right up there. Coming to a club of this size, getting my first goal means everything to me. Every goal is special and this one is definitely as well.
Delap got off the mark for Chelsea against ES Tunis
Delap got off the mark for Chelsea against ES Tunis
“Obviously I said before that the boys have helped me settle in. The manager I know really well. I’m familiar with his style of play and hopefully we can continue and keep growing.
“I think there’s always a little bit of relief and then you feel more confidence and coming to a club like this, you have to have confidence and belief.
“Obviously this tournament has really helped me settle in because if we were back at the training ground everyone would be disappearing at 3 o’clock and here we’re all together all the time and it’s a great way to settle in and everyone’s been really helpful.”
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