“Iconic” – Jadon Sancho calls Chelsea legends his 'icons' after leaving Man Utd

Jadon Sancho has revealed that Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were his 'idols growing up' after signing for Chelsea in a switch from Man Utd.

Sancho failed to feature in either of Man Utd's opening two Premier League games despite featuring heavily in pre-season after returning from a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.

The England international has been linked with a number of high-profile moves throughout the summer, including Juventus, Bayern Munich and a return to Dortmund.

In the end, it was Chelsea who won the race for his signature, completing the deal before the close of the summer transfer window.

Sancho names Chelsea legends Drogba and Lampard as his 'idols'.

Speaking to Chelsea's website after his move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed, Sancho named Blues legends Drogba and Lampard as his biggest inspirations at a young age.

Between them, Drogba and Lampard scored 375 goals and 212 assists in a combined 1,029 games for Chelsea, playing a key role in the team's most successful seasons – where they won multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups, as well as the Champions League and Europa League. League.

Now, Sancho will do his best to emulate that famous team.

“I'm very happy to be here,” said Sancho. “London is where I grew up and I'm happy to be back.

“It's been crazy. Obviously it was the last day of the transfer window so it was expected to be a bit crazy, but I'm so glad it's all over in the end.

“Chelsea is beautiful. My idols growing up were Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard and now I have the opportunity to play for this club like them. It's a great feeling.”

Sancho: Enzo Maresca drew me to Chelsea

Sancho also revealed that it was a phone call with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca – coupled with the Italian's exploits alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City – that convinced him that Stamford Bridge was the right move for his career.

“I think it was the manager who really pulled me into this job,” explained Sancho.

“I knew him when he played with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He talked to me on the phone about this project and what he's building here, and for a young player like me it's exciting and I can't wait to get started.”

The striker continued: “They signed me for a reason and to contribute to the team, and I am ready to do that.

“I appreciate his way of playing. The players on the sides when they get to the ball, you like them to go through one and go straight. We play a lot of one-twos and 10s and combinations of strikers play. It's very attractive and it's the style I play.”