Benoit Badiashile is relishing getting stuck into life in the Premier League after joining Chelsea from Monaco.
Badiashile, 21, was handed a seven-and-a-half year deal as he became the club’s second January signing following the arrival of David Datro Fofana from Molde earlier this month.
The left-sided centre-back is expected to give Graham Potter’s defence a much-needed boost — and the £35million signing cannot wait to make an impression on the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Badiashile, who made 11 Ligue 1 appearances and scored two goals this term before leaving the Principality, said: “I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea. I’m so excited to start playing for this club.
“I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world.”
Badiashile has won two senior caps having been a regular fixture for France’s Under-21s.
And Blues chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly believes the club’s latest addition will make a huge splash in England.
The American businessman, 49, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea.
“He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age.
“We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead.”
Badiashile is liekly to watch from the stands tonight as Chelsea host Premier League champions Manchester City.
And star midfielder Mason Mount knows the misfiring Blues cannot afford to miss the opportunity to show they are still a force to be reckoned with.
The England ace, 23, said: “It can be very decisive for us. We know what position we’re in at the moment and playing against one of the best teams in the league is going to be very tough.
“We know we can give it everything and it’s at Stamford Bridge so we want to show the fans what we can do.
“It’s been up and down but we need to stick together and keep trying to work through these difficult periods. That’s all we can we do.”
Chelsea, who sit a lowly 10th in the table, are 11 points adrift of second-placed City.
