Emerson Palmieri: 'I'm ready for Chelsea debut'

Emerson Palmieri has revealed that he is determined to make an impression in English football after leaving Roma to join Chelsea.

Blues head coach Antonio Conte has brought Palmieri to Stamford Bridge to provide competition for Marcos Alonso, and the Brazilian-born player is likely to be eased into action having spent a long period on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

However, after playing a part in training and featuring in two matchday squads with the Premier League outfit, Palmieri has suggested that he feels ready to make his debut.

The 23-year-old told the club's matchday programme: "Physically, I feel great. The injury is now in the past.

"They were six difficult months for me but what is important is right now and I feel good. I couldn't feel better so I only have in mind the idea of training with my team and helping us achieve success.

"I came here because this is a great club with a great history. English football is something I have been watching since I was 15 years old. It's a really beautiful game over here and it's going to be even more beautiful to play it. I'm coming here with great expectations."

Palmieri could feature when Chelsea play host to Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday.