Ben Chilwell has revealed the key role Frank Lampard played in convincing him to join Chelsea and says he hopes to emulate Ashley Cole in becoming an iconic figure at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old completed his £50million move from Leicester City on Wednesday, signing a five-year contract with the Blues.
The deal makes Chilwell the club's most-expensive defensive signing by some distance and he also becomes the third player to join the west London outfit this summer, following the arrivals of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
Werner previously pinpointed the impact Lampard had in terms of convincing him to make the move to Stamford Bridge and Chilwell has now echoed that sentiment, revealing how his conversations with the 41-year-old helped make up his mind.
Asked what kind of role Lampard played in the move, he told Chelsea's official website: "Massively important.
"I obviously wanted to play for a massive club, that's what everyone wants for their career. But talking to Frank before I came was one of the main reasons why I wanted to come.
"He installed a lot of confidence in me, told me how much the system suits my play and seemed like a really good guy that you can talk about stuff away from football. I think that's really important for a young player that you've got a manager you can talk to stuff about.
"He's very keen on young players, you've seen that since he's been here and talking to him was a massive reason for me wanting to come."
Chilwell is expected to make the left-back position his own and the England international says he is keen to build a similar legacy to Cole, who won nine trophies in his eight years at the club.
"It's great for myself to have that benchmark for what a great Chelsea left-back is," he added.
"I grew up watching Ashley Cole play so I know how respected he is and again, that was a big reason for me wanting to come. I'm still young and want that sort of career he had at Chelsea for myself.