Photo: Bryan Berlin / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Morgan Rogers has named Xabi Alonso's footballing philosophy and the prospect of playing alongside Cole Palmer as the primary reasons behind his decision to join Chelsea.
"I've had a few conversations with him and I think it's important for me to be here that I need to understand what the manager's like, how he is and how he wants to operate," Rogers said of Alonso. "It very much fits with the way I see the game, the way I want to play, and the way I want to be me, and be free and express myself. Him being a part of that was a massive factor in me being here."
Rogers also pointed to the chance to line up alongside Palmer as a significant draw. The two have been close friends since their early teens, having first met in England youth teams before spending time together at Manchester City.
"I've known Cole since I was about 14, first in the England [youth] teams and then when we were both at Man City together. We've been speaking about this for a while; we always would love to have played together. So, for it to happen, we're both excited," Rogers said.
"He's non-stop ringing my phone, texting me, and I can't wait. I think that's probably the most special thing, playing with one of your best friends and being around him every day. It's something I'm really excited about."
Rogers also spoke about his first impressions of Cobham and held talks with Reece James regarding the significance of representing the club.