Morgan Rogers has sent a message of thanks to Aston Villa fans after he completed a record-breaking transfer to Chelsea.

England international Rogers joined Chelsea on Tuesday, with the Blues paying a reported £117m fee for the attacker.

Rogers signed for Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2024. 

He registered 56 goal involvements (31 goals, 25 assists) for Villa, a total only Ollie Watkins (74 – 50 goals, 24 assists) can beat for the Villans since Rogers' arrival.

Last season, Rogers ranked in the top two forwards in the Premier League for progressive passes (132), passes ending in the final third (529), line-breaking passes (100), line-breaking passes in the final third (82) and line-breaking passes leading to a goal (five).

Rogers scored as Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 to win the Europa League in May, and the 23-year-old is eternally grateful to have had the chance to shine for Unai Emery's team.

"Villans, where do I start? 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," he said in a social media post.

"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.

"Thank you to my team-mates, as it was a pleasure to come in every day 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."

Villa opened their pre-season with a 5-0 win over Walsall on Tuesday.

They have been active in the transfer market with both incomings and outgoings.

Youri Tielemans has also departed, joining Manchester United, with Villa bringing in Joao Gomes from Wolves and Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, with the youngster having impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup.

Lucas Digne is expected to leave for Paris Saint-Germain, while Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea.