Manchester City whiz Jayden Braaf admits he was close to joining Chelsea.

Braaf signed for City after turning 16 last year, but he almost plumped for Chelsea, after spotting Eden Hazard during a trip to their training ground.

He told Voetbal International: “I thought I'd really go to Chelsea. But I also talked to Manchester City and then in the last few hours of the transfer window the choice fell on them.

“Chelsea also gave me a very good feeling, but Man City came up with such beautiful words about how they see me as a great talent and how they want to train me for the first team."

And he says that he has not been disappointed since joining the Blues:

“City gives me freedom on the field. I just love dribbling and looking for my direct opponent.

“City leaves me free to come and get the ball, because they also know that those are my qualities. That's also why I got better, because I can just do that.

“In addition, I have become much stronger physically and conditionally."