The 26-year-old has agreed a five-year deal with the Blues, but will stay at Ajax before the end of the season.
Hakim Ziyech says Chelsea director Frank Lampard was a significant cause of his decision to move to Stamford Bridge.
The Moroccan will proceed to the Blues this summer after signing a five-year contract in the club, staying with Ajax before the end of the existing Eredivisie campaign.
The attacker played against his upcoming side twice in the group stages of the year’s Champions League, and was heavily involved in three of their goals at the 4-4 draw between the sides in Stamford Bridge back in November.
When asked how powerful Lampard was in getting the deal done, Ziyech responded:”[Lampard had] a huge role. We had a whole lot of contact in the past few months and he gave me a fantastic feeling and that was big to do with the choice.”
The 26-year-old expressed his delight at finally agreeing to personal terms with the Blues, and also noted his soon-to-be manager’s style of play as the following important rationale behind his turn to the Premier League side.
‘I am happy, joyful, I am excited, and I can’t wait,” Ziyech continued.
“It [Chelsea] is a big club in a major competition. I enjoy the style of play, they play really attacking football, and that’s something which fits me and that is among the biggest reasons I decided to come.”
The winger has six goals and 12 assists in the Eredivisie this year, helping his side to the top place at the table after 23 games.
In addition, he leads the way for Champions League aids this campaign with five, but looks set to be redeemed following the Dutch ensemble failed to qualify for the knockout stages, placing third in Group H supporting Valencia and Chelsea respectively.
The club are now currently in trouble in the Europa League after dropping their round of 32 first leg tie 2-0 in Getafe, but Ziyech is aiming to end his stay at Ajax on a positive note.
“First of all to appreciate it with all the people here [in Ajax], the team-mates and the individuals we work with, the coaches and everyone around the club,” he added.
“The most important thing is to enjoy it and win the trophies we must win.”
