Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso spoke about his hostility to the transfer of central manager Maxence Lacroix. The 26-year-old footballer officially became a member of the London club in four, moving from Crystal Palace.

" He miraculously adapted to the Premier League - this is a reliable step, which added to the strength of our defense.

It is important that he has a strong character and leadership qualities. This is a valid signing both in the short-term and in the long-term perspective,” Alonso is quoted as saying by the official Chelsea website.

The transfer amount for the French defencist amounted to 60 million euros.