Liam Delap on why he is feeling at home in a Chelsea jersey at the Club World Cup

Liam Delap believes he made the right decision in joining Chelsea this summer as he set his sights on winning the FIFA Club World Cup – with every game live on DAZN.

The striker scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League games for relegated Ipswich and his £30m release clause attracted interest from Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

Manchester City also held a buy-back option on their former player – but 22-year-old Delap opted for a reunion with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea after the pair had worked together at the Etihad Stadium.

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Delap made an instant impression on his debut for Maresca’s side, coming on as a substitute in their opening 2-0 win against LAFC and creating a goal for Enzo Fernandez.

He started the 3-1 defeat to Flamengo and is now preparing for the Blues’ final Club World Cup group game against ES Tunis on Wednesday.

“You never know if it is going to be the right decision but you've just got to go with your gut and hope it works out,” said Delap.

“You've got to take your time. I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future.”

Among those who he consulted was Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who he first played with at City at the age of 15.

Delap explained: “Since I was 15, I’ve played with Cole at Manchester City, so I’ve got a good relationship with him.

“It’s nice to see a familiar face. It helps me settle in better.

“I asked him what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know. But I don't like too much information.

“Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear.

“We have a good core of English boys here, and I’ve spent a lot of time with them. I know a few of them already.

‘I’ve also got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays and I’ve played in his system before.”

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Delap has enjoyed being reunited with the likes of Palmer and building new connections with new Chelsea team-mates during the club’s time in America.

His involvement in the club’s Club World Cup campaign after Chelsea took him Stateside rather than allow him to play in the Under-21s European Championship with England.

“I had my sights set on the Euros all season and I was really looking forward to that,” admitted Delap.

“But I signed here and they wanted me to be here. I want to be here as well.

“I need to get to know everyone so that's why I'm here.

“When settling into any new place, it’s helpful to be with them 24/7 and help me get to know everyone.

"I'm with the boys all the time, it helps me settle in really fast and we can prepare and work on things that we want to use in the season to come.”

Delap will bid to help Maresca’s side become crowned Club World Cup champions and will also have a Champions League to look forward to in the 2025-26 season.

“It wasn't the be all and end all because I was also looking towards future seasons but also it helps,” he added.

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