Omari Kellyman sends heartfelt Aston Villa message after Chelsea transfer

Omari Kellyman says the memories he made at Aston Villa with stay with him forever after completing his move to Chelsea earlier this week.

The 18-year-old cost the Blues £19m, while Ian Maatsen joined Villa in a deal worth £37.5m. Kellyman was viewed as one of Villa's brightest academy prospects after joining the club two years ago from Derby County at the age of 16.

Kellyman was included on the pre-season tour of the USA in 2023 and was handed his senior debut against Hibernian in Villa's Europa Conference League play-off. The attacking midfielder then went on to make his Premier League bow against Manchester City during the 2023/24 campaign, one of six senior appearances for the club.

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Writing on social media platform X, he said: "Thank you for my time at Aston Villa. I've loved every minute of it, from walking through the door at Bodymoor in 2022 to my last session in 2024.

"Special moments such as making my European debut at Villa Park in front of you amazing fans, and then my Premier League debut at the Etihad, were dreams come true and are moments that will stay with me forever.

"I want to thank all of our staff, my teammates, and all you fans for the love and support. I will not forget you. Omari."

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