Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard has explained the motives behind his decision to snub Manchester United and Manchester City in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old Belgium international, who scored on his Blues debut to help his new employers to a 4-2 win over Seattle Sounders on Thursday, says that Chelsea's status as European champions, as well the geographical advantages of London were both factors in his decision.
He told The Sun: "Chelsea had the most convincing argument for me to join and obviously being the Champions League winners was a big factor in my choice.
"Chelsea is a fantastic club with fantastic players and they can give me the best possible chance to progress as a player.
"It's a slightly less important reason but London is also a bit closer to Belgium than Manchester and I can get home a little easier from here."
Hazard reportedly cost Chelsea £32m when he joined from Lille last month.
Robert Summerscales
