Chelsea striker Demba Ba has paid tribute to departing manager Rafa Benitez.

The Senegal international does feel he owes something to Benitez, who leaves his post as interim boss after this weekend's friendly against Manchester City in New York.

Ba, speaking at a Chelsea youth soccer clinic in Harlem, said: "It's been good since I came and he (Benitez) has been good.

"He made good rotation between me and Fernando.

"I have had the chance to play a lot of games since I came and that has been really good.

"I have learned a lot, about new team-mates and the way Chelsea plays football. I'm very happy."