Ross Barkley has said he is 'very excited' to play for OGC Nice

Ross Barkley has said he is 'very excited' to play for OGC Nice - even if his manager doesn't know his position.

The former Chelsea and Everton midfielder joined the French club this summer after the termination of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

The new number 11 was one of several former Premier League players joining Nice in recent weeks, including Aaron Ramsey, Kasper Schmeichel, and Arsenal loanee Nicolas Pepe.

According to Get Football News France, the 28-year-old told reporters: 'Nice is an ambitious club. They presented me with a project over multiple years. It is a club that wants to go far, that wants to be a big club at a European level.

'I managed to speak with Dave Brailsford, who showed me the growth project at the club. Jim Ratcliffe also convinced me to come here to help the team progress.

'I was also convinced by the coach, who is a big European-level coach, and who plays an attacking style of football. I have seen his former sides play and it’s something that guided my choice.'

It comes just days after Sportsmail reported that Nice boss Lucien Favre said he did not know Ross Barkley's best position, telling reporters at a press conference: 'I'm told he's more of an eight.'

Barkley also dismissed fears about his fitness levels after not playing for the Blues this season before leaving England.

'With Chelsea, I trained with the reserves at the start of the season,' the England international said. 'They were intense sessions. I feel very fit physically. I obviously didn’t play a lot last season, but I feel ready today.'

Barkley, who made 58 appearances for Chelsea between 2018 and 2022, was impressed with the past glories of his new club, and the supporters guiding them to victory.

'Nice are a big club with a big history, that has won titles, that has qualified for European football numerous times in the past seasons, and that was a finalist in last year’s Coupe de France,' Barkley said.

'There is also a super, passionate fanbase. I am very excited to play here.'

Nice's UEFA Conference League campaign started with a 1-1 draw against Koln on Thursday, before travelling to Ajaccio for their next Ligue 1 game on Sunday.