New signing Andre Schurrle admitted he wanted a move to Chelsea last summer, and after finally sealing a move this summer is now primed to make a big impact at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were keen to bring in Schurrle to Stamford Bridge last summer, but Bayer Leverkusen dug in their heels and refused to sell their player, which led to Chelsea and the player having to wait for one whole season before completing the protracted move.
"I always hoped this move would happen," Schurrle told reporters. "It took a long time, and I'd wanted to come last year to Chelsea and it hadn't worked out.
"It wasn't my decision. It was the decision of Bayer Leverkusen -- they didn't want me to go and I had to make the best of the situation.
"It was a missed opportunity, of course, but I said to myself I had to do my best in every match and every training session and it would come at another time. So it has proved. I had the contact all the time and now I'm very happy to be here.
"I had to do my work for Bayer Leverkusen and improve myself, and that's what happened. I wanted to be professional in all ways. The beginning was hard but afterwards it was okay. We had a good team.
"Now I'm here, and for a lot of money. There's no extra pressure on me because of that, but it makes me proud that the club wanted me that much and paid the money. I will give them my best."
Schurrle has been tipped by many, including Germany legend Rudi Voller to become a "world-class" player at his new club.
"Hearing that (Voller's comments) makes me proud, but I know that I have to improve much," he added.
"I want to improve, I have to work hard at my skills. It is an honour for me to play for this club and the only thing I want it to help the team with my qualities."
The German international also revealed he had been encouraged to make the move to Chelsea by former midfielder Michael Ballack.
"I played at Stamford Bridge with Leverkusen in the Champions League two seasons ago and that was a great feeling," Schurrle said.
"Michael told me all the time this is a great club with great people, like a big family. He told me if I had to change, then I had to do this move to Chelsea.
"He also told me Jose is good for the players and convinced me he could make me a better player."
