Photo: Chelsea FC

After a series of rumours, Ross Barkley is now officially a Chelsea player and has today signed a five-year contract with the Blues.

Barkley who should have moved to Stamford Bridge from Everton last summer before the deal broke through, has admitted that his move to Chelsea is unbelievable.

Upon signing for the Blues, Barkley said: “I’m overwhelmed, I’m looking forward to it and I’m really excited to get started.

“To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it’s unbelievable for me. I’m looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game.”

Barkley will wear the number 8 jersey vacated by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, and he had earlier admitted that he hopes to have a career like the legendary goalscoring midfielder whom he sees as his hero.