Mateo Kovacic says joining Chelsea has finally made him feel wanted as a footballer.

The Croatian signed from the Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal this summer. He made his debut coming off the bench in Sunday's win over Arsenal.

And the midfielder has expressed his delight at leaving Real to play under a manager in Maurizio Sarri that "believes" in him.

"I am happy because of victory, the most important is that team played good," Kovacic told Sport Klub TV.

"I feel fine, I miss rhythm but I just joined the team. I am working fine and improving.

"It was important for me after three years without continuity of play in Madrid, to find a team and coach that want me, and that happened in Chelsea.

"The club who wanted me and the coach that believes in me. That is what I need.

"Sarri knows me for a long time and I watched a lot of his matches. He loves to play, the team is great, with a lot of big players. I don't expect it to be hard for me to adapt."