Martyn Waghorn admitted the chance to work with new Derby County manager Frank Lampard was one he simply could not turn down.
The striker completed his move to Pride Park yesterday, with the Rams paying an initial £5million for a player who scored 16 goals for the Blues last season.
The deal could rise as high as £7.5million, should clauses relating to promotion and performance be met, and it was the chance to gun for the Premier League under Lampard which attracted Waghorn to the Rams.
“When I spoke to the manager he told me about the plans and where he sees the club going and how I fitted in, I just thought it was more attractive and I was excited by the project and wanted to be a part of it,” he said.
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“I know Derby have been up and around it in the last few seasons and I want to try and help push the club forward to where we want to be – the Premier League.
“It’s a big club and you look at the last few years and see they are always up and about it.
“It’s a club that has always played attractive football, always played on the front foot and you know you are going to win games so I’m just glad to be a part of it.
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“The club pretty much sells itself and when you have someone like Frank Lampard looking to bring you in, it’s very attractive.
“I was desperate to get up here from the first call I had.”
Waghorn will have to fight for his place at Pride Park, given the likes of David Nugent, Cameron Jerome, Chris Martin and Jack Marriott are all on the Rams’ striking books.
“He (Lampard) wants me to do what I did last year,” he said.
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“He’s brought in a lot of quality and it’s up to me to fit into that, work hard and earn a place in the team.
“There is a lot of quality up top and I’ll have to fight for my place in the team.
“He’s excited for what’s going on, the players that are here and it’s up to me to fit in.”
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