Chelsea striker Eniola Aluko admits she needed little convincing to become part of the new American soccer revolution after being snapped up by St Louis Athletica.

Aluko will depart for the States this week to join up with her new teammates ahead of the launch of the Women’s Professional Soccer League later this Spring.

And the 22-year-old is relishing the challenge.

She said: “Everybody who plays football would love to go professional and I am no different.

“This is the type of thing I dreamed about when I was younger, but I never felt it would actually happen.

“They contacted me with their offer, and to be honest it was something I could not refuse.

“I’m really excited about going out there and being part of the new wave of women’s football.”

The England international was snaffled by St Louis as one of their draft picks, joining the cream of the crop in terms of women’s talent.

Athletica will be coached by Brazilian national boss Jorge Barcellos, and Aluko is itching to get started.

She added: “They flew me out there before Christmas to have a look around and the place was great.

“They told me they saw me play for England and said that I have all the attributes that they are looking for.

“They have sorted all my accomodation out there for me, and I cannot wait to get to test myself against the best players the world has to offer.”

Aluko’s final game for Chelsea was in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Everton, and she admits part of her is sad to go.

She added: “It was not an ideal situation having to leave before the end of the season.

“I came to Chelsea with targets to win something before I left, and that won’t happen.

“But everyone is really excited for me, and I had a great leaving party.

“Now it is on to the next chapter of my life.”