Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech has admitted that he "always dreamed" about playing in the Premier League and hopes to emulate Didier Drogba when he officially arrives at Chelsea.
The Morocco international agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Blues in February that will go through on July 1.
Ziyech lit up the Eredivise during his four seasons with Ajax and is now looking to replicate some of English football's all-time greats, including iconic Chelsea striker Drogba.
"The Premier League is a great competition, especially because of the fast thinking, technical players," he is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.
"As a kid, I've always dreamed about this. I watched the games Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd played and players like Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and David Beckham, you name them. I want the same thing.
"Is it the best competition in the world? I don't know. I also admire La Liga, but the Premier League is definitely the most intense.
"I don't like to take the easiest way, because you're not challenging yourself when you do. I like challenges. Those make me stronger and keep me sharp."
Drogba scored 163 goals for Chelsea and won 12 major trophies across two spells.
Daniel Lewis
