Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson thanks rival Premier League manager after signing new contract | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery instrumental to striker’s progression

Nicolas Jackson has thanked Aston Villa manager Unai Emery after signing a new contract with Chelsea.

The striker has been rewarded with a two-year contract, which extends his deal to an eyebrow-raising 2033, after a promising first season at Stamford Bridge.

Jackson, who scored 17 times last season, already has two goals to his name after three games this campaign as he leads the line for Enzo Maresca's side.

And he has thanked Emery, his head coach at Villarreal, for turning him into the attacking focal point Chelsea now rely upon.

Nicolas Jackson has two goals in three games this season

Nick Potts/PA Wire

"I was always an offensive player," he told Chelsea's official website.

"When I was young I was a number 10 or a false nine, because I like to move and drop deep. When I came to Europe, Unai [Emery, Jackson’s coach at Villarreal] changed that and put me as a fixed number nine, waiting for the ball and playing more in the box, trying to run in behind.

"Unai changed all that, and I’m grateful. I try to work harder to improve every day in that position."

Jackson is now committed to Chelsea for the next nine years, and his aims for what would by then be a decade in west London are clear.

"I want to win trophies, to make Chelsea the best, put the team back where it was, and to win individual trophies as well, to help my club and country," Jackson states.

"I am trying to work hard for that aim, but the most important is the team, and I hope with the team we will win many trophies together. These are the happy moments you can tell your family about. That’s the aim."