Jordan Henderson speaks out on how shock Chelsea move happened

Chelsea have unveiled new signing Jordan Henderson (Picture: Chelsea FC)

Jordan Henderson has joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in one of the more surprising moves that will take place during this transfer window.

The Blues, as they tend to do, have splashed the cash on some expensive signings including £117million on Morgan Rogers, £52m on Maxence Lacroix and £43m on Marco Palestra, but they have also made some cheaper, unexpected moves.

36-year-old Henderson has been snapped up from Brentford on a free transfer, while 35-year-old Danny Welbeck has arrived from Brighton in a £5m deal.

Not many would have predicted that the former Liverpool midfielder and the ex-Manchester United and Arsenal forward would be plying their trades at Stamford Bridge in the coming season, but new manager Xabi Alonso has chosen to add Premier League experience to his squad in abdundance.

It is unlikely that Henderson took much persuading at all to sign for a club like Chelsea at his age, but he credited Alonso, along with the Blues owners, for selling the project to him.

‘Given the size of the club, the manager, who I have great admiration for, and the quality of the players, this was a huge opportunity I couldn’t turn down,’ said the England midfielder.

‘I was also so impressed with how much the ownership want Chelsea to be successful and move in the right direction.

Henderson has played nearly 700 games in his club career (Picture: Chelsea FC)

‘For me, it’s about giving everything every single day, both on and off the field, to help the players around me and the team as much as possible. I’m very excited to get going.’

He added: ‘I still feel as hungry as ever to achieve things, to improve and to get better. And I am here now to help this football club be successful in the future.

“This is just another huge opportunity and I am excited to join.

‘For me, football is a team sport. Everything should be about the team. Throughout my career, everything I have done is for the team, and to try and make others better.

‘The older you get, you go through a lot of different experiences, and at times you can relay [them] to younger players. I can try and speak to them and give them a different perspective.

‘With my age, it will be a big talking point of me coming here, but I hope by the time I leave everyone recognises what I can bring to this club.’

Henderson spent just one season at Brentford but impressed over 34 games across all competitions, earning himself a place in England’s World Cup squad.

He came on against Panama in the group stage and became the first England player to feature in four World Cups.

Henderson picked up a freak injury in Mexico (Picture: Reuters)

His tournament took a bizarre turn, though, when he fell while jumping over an advertising hoarding after the last 16 win over Mexico.

Despite being an unused substitute in the match, Henderson ended up being stretchered off and requiring surgery on a forearm injury.

The other surprise signing at Stamford Bridge, Welbeck, said of his move from the Seagulls: ‘When you hear of the interest from Chelsea, it’s something that fills you with such immense pride.

‘Knowing the history of Chelsea, it’s a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season.

‘I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time.

Danny Welbeck is already training with his new Chelsea teammates (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I know a few of the boys already, and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection.