'Love you all' - Morgan Rogers thanks Aston Villa after sealing record £117m Chelsea transfer

Morgan Rogers says playing for Villa will always be one of the “proudest moments” of his career after completing a British record £117million move to Chelsea.

The 23-year-old from Halesowen officially became the most expensive English player of all-time when his switch to Stamford Bridge was confirmed on Tuesday night.

Rogers, a product of Albion’s academy, spent two-and-a-half years at Villa after joining from Middlesbrough for an initial £8m fee.

He played 127 times for the club, scoring 31 goals, the last of those coming in May’s 3-0 Europa League final win over Freiburg in Istanbul.

He also became an England regular during his time at Villa and was part of the squad which reached the semi-finals of this summer’s World Cup.

In a lengthy message posted on social media, Rogers paid tribute to his team-mates and the club’s fans, thanking them for their support.

He wrote: “I’m just a Birmingham kid who was able to represent the biggest team in the city, and that is a proud moment for me and something that will always live with me.

“Thank you for taking me in from day one, and allowing me to be me and allowing me to express myself.

“To lift that trophy in Istanbul on that night with the team is something that will forever live with me, and I’m always grateful for the opportunities I was given here. It will always be one of the proudest moments of my career.”

Rogers continued: “Thank you to my teammates, as it was a pleasure to come in everyday with the training room full of joy and laughter, which made it a great environment to work in, and a successful one as we pushed each other and fulfilled our potential as a team. I’m going to miss you all.

“And finally, the fans. You’ve stuck by me through the good and the bad, and that means everything to me.

“Every time I went to Villa Park and put on that shirt, I gave everything, and it was replicated with how you supported me and helped me through all of the times.

“We enjoyed some special moments together. This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you soon. I love you all.”

In a statement confirming Rogers’ departure, Villa paid tribute to his “impeccable behaviour and commitment”.

It continued: “Morgan leaves Aston Villa with the best wishes of everyone at the club for both his service to the club and for his future career.

“He will always remain a core part of our recent great moments and memories."