'If just one fan donates 10 euros because I'm involved, then that's great': Timo Werner becomes first Chelsea player to join Common Goal initiative

Timo Werner has become the first Chelsea men's player to sign up to Common Goal. The striker, who earns £200,000 a week, will pledge one per cent of his salary to charity.

"I feel very privileged that I can live my dream of transferring to Chelsea," the 24-year-old said on the issue, quoted by Goal. "At the same time, I am very conscious of the fact that there are people all over the world currently struggling to tackle the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

"That's why I would like to try my best to help as best as I can through Common Goal. The great thing about the movement is that I decide where my money goes. There are certain issues that particularly move me and I am also interested in supporting and kicking off projects in Stuttgart and Leipzig.

"The more famous footballers get involved, the more awareness we can raise for Common Goal. And if just one fan donates 10 euros because Timo Werner is involved, then that's great."

Common Goal is the biggest pledge-based charitable movement in the football industry. It was launched in August 2017 with the support of former Blue Juan Mata. Earlier, two Chelsea Women's players, Pernille Harder and Magda Eriksson, also signed up to the cause.