Growing up in Barcelona, a young Marc Guiu would talk about one day playing in the Premier League. That dream is now within touching distance after signing a long-term deal with Chelsea.
The 18-year-old has agreed a five-year contract, with the option of a further year, at the Blues following more than a decade with Barcelona.
The Spain Under-19 international has already scored in La Liga and the Champions League for Barca and now plans to do the same in the blue of Chelsea over the coming years.
Speaking from Cobham last week, with the help of a translator, Guiu said: ‘It brings me immense joy to sign for Chelsea. I struggled to sleep last night ahead of the journey here because I was so excited.
‘Ever since I was small, it was my dream to play in the Premier League and be successful in England. Now I have the opportunity to join Chelsea and I will work my hardest to be successful for the club.
‘I think what’s most important [to start with] is that I adapt to my surroundings, which I’m sure will be easy, and then of course I want to win the Champions League and the Premier League for Chelsea.
‘On a personal level, I want to help the team as much as I can by scoring lots of goals and I want to become the best centre forward in the world.’
Last year one of Guiu’s former coaches at Barcelona, Ivan Carrasco, described the teenager as ‘a pure centre forward, a classic nine’ and spoke of his physical power, aerial ability, speed and clinical finishing.
Carrasco said Guiu ‘presses like an animal’ and hailed his work rate and dedication.
The majority of Blues fans won’t have seen Guiu play previously, so what would he say are his main strengths?
Guiu said: ‘I would say my strength is goal-scoring but I’m a humble guy and selfless. I like to give my all for my teammates. I’ve always been that way and will continue to be.
‘I also like to train so that I’m improving every day. I’m good at taking the ball up, holding possession, giving space and of course scoring goals.’
Guiu becomes Chelsea’s fourth signing of the summer following the capture of experienced defender Tosin Adarabioyo, Brazil’s talented teenager Estevao Willian and exciting attacking midfielder Omari Kellyman.
The Blues have one of the youngest squads in the Premier League but it is packed with world-class talent.
And Guiu said: ‘My main reason for wanting to sign for Chelsea was the football and sporting project the club is offering me here, and the trust everyone who works at the club is putting in me.
‘The club has a very interesting plan with a lot of young and exciting players and I think we can do great things.’
He added: ‘I think it’s a very talented squad, full of top players who are very young, have a lot of quality and have a lot to offer.’
This summer also saw the arrival of new head coach Enzo Maresca.
The 44-year-old enjoyed a successful playing career, winning the UEFA Cup twice plus the UEFA Super Cup and Copa del Rey during his time at Sevilla in Spain, as well as the Serie A and Serie B crowns in his native Italy.
And Maresca has made an impressive start to life in management, guiding Leicester City to promotion back to the Premier League in his first season in charge.
When asked if he had spoken to Maresca since joining the Blues, Guiu said: ‘Yes, I had the opportunity to talk to him, and I am very grateful and I appreciate him taking time to have a chat with me.
‘I think he is a top manager and he did a fantastic job at Leicester, getting the team promoted to the Premier League.
‘I think we will play great football under him and we can win a lot of trophies.’
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
