Eden Hazard FaceTimes Romeo Lavia for one-to-one chat after Chelsea announcement

Chelsea's latest signing Romeo Lavia immediately got on a video call with another Belgian Blue in club legend Eden Hazard before receiving some words of encouragement

Posted Sunday, August 20, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Chelsea announced the signing of Romeo Lavia for £58million

Chelsea legend Eden Hazard FaceTimed Romeo Lavia after the midfielder's move to Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian was announced as the Blues' latest addition on Friday following his £58million transfer from Southampton. It marked the west London side's 10th signing of the transfer window, having spent an eye-watering sum of over £300m this summer alone.

Lavia's decision to pen a seven-year deal with Mauricio Pochettino's side follows a lengthy transfer saga which involved fending off heavy interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool. And the 19-year-old wasted no time in video calling former Chelsea hero and compatriot Hazard after sealing his dream move.

Hazard asked Lavia: "The big boss! Are you a Blue now or what?', to which the teenager replied: "Yeah, I'm getting to know your old place."

The Belgium legend then laughed before asking: "Are you at Cobham?" with Lavia responding: "Yes, I'm having a look at the training ground now."

Hazard went on to congratulate the former Anderlecht and Manchester City talent on the move, before predicting Chelsea will have a better season compared to their torrid 2022/23 campaign.

Hazard continued: "Last year wasn't very good for Chelsea but this year will be more calm. There are a lot of things that have changed.

Romeo Lavia FaceTimed Eden Hazard after his Chelsea move

Eden Hazard appeared delighted with his compatriot's move

"Don't worry, you'll get the chance to show what you can do. We know what qualities you have."

Lavia revealed Chelsea's ambition, as well as his friend Wesley Fofana, as the reasons behind his Liverpool snub.

He said in an interview with Chelsea's club website: "I think the project and the ambitions of the club were key factors [in signing] but also the history behind it.

Eden Hazard is a Blues legend

👀 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/N9wFlUipkj
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 18, 2023

"It's a very exciting time and most of the players we've signed are players that I've played against and I thought these players are good so to be able to work with them is a great feeling.

"I spoke to Wesley as well, Wesley Fofana. He's a good friend of mine. It seems to be a dressing room with a great vibe and I just wanted to be part of it.

Mauricio Pochettino is a great manager, I think we all know what he's done before and when I spoke to him it was pretty clear what he wanted and the direction he wants the team to go. So I was really pleased to hear what he wanted and his energy was something that matched with mine."