Christian Atsu has expressed his delight after signing for Chelsea in the just ended transfer window.

The Ghana midfielder's long-term future had been the subject of much speculation during the close season.

But he penned a five-year deal with the Premier League side and was immediately loaned out to Dutch top flight club Vitesse Arnhem.

The 21-year-old is capable of playing either on the left wing or as a support striker.

He is the most talked about player in Ghana at the moment and many are underwhelmed by his latest move.

Atsu is back in Ghana preparing for Friday's World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Kumasi.

There is a strong feeling among fans and pundits alike that the deal does not necessarily enhance the career of a player who already has 16 international caps.

But Atsu told BBC Sport that Chelsea have done the right thing by loaning him to Vitesse.

"I'm happy because as a player you always want to be playing to stay in good shape," said Porto's player of the year in 2010/11.

He said he is fully focused on making the Vitesse loan move count and force his way into Jose Mourinho's plans.

"When Chelsea came for me, I saw a good opportunity to work with a massive club and a great coach.

"I know I have to prove myself at Vitesse first and I'm determined to do just that."

He said countryman Michael Essien's presence at Chelsea played a part in his decision to go to Stamford Bridge.

"I have a lot of respect for Essien because playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world is not easy.

"I know that I've a long way to go to get anywhere close to what he's done.

"Hopefully, one day I'll be mentioned in the same breadth as Essien and Didier Drogba."