Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu insisted Friday he is relishing his move to Chelsea, a team he describes as of the same level -- if not superior -- to his former club Barcelona.
The 19-year-old, who is currently competing in the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia, has signed a four-year contract with the English side for an undisclosed fee.
"I'm going to a club of the highest level, a very good coach, spectacular players," Romeu told AFP.
And he revealed that Chelsea's new boss Andre Villas-Boas had personally telephoned him in Colombia to sort out the deal.
"He called me first. He told me that he was interested in me because of (Michael) Essien's injury," explained Romeu, of Ghana midfielder Essien who could be out for up to six months with a knee injury.
And Romeu said he was sure that he has made the right decision despite some regrets at leaving Barcelona who are the reigning Spanish and European champions.
"It's a pity to leave Barcelona because if there was a good time to make a debut in the history of the club it is now. But at the same time I'm not going to a weak club," said Romeu, adding that his focus now was on the World Cup.
"Having settled this allows me to focus on the World Cup calmly and not to have to think about other things."
Source: AFP
