Chelsea's Christian Pulisic says he felt a "sense of relief" after he netted a hat-trick against Burnley on Saturday after a difficult start to his time at the Premier League club.
The 21-year-old American international -- who cost the club ?58 million ($74 million) when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund last season -- became the youngest Chelsea player to score a hat-trick in the 4-2 win.
Pulisic has ostensibly been signed to replace outstanding playmaker Eden Hazard, who left for Real Madrid in the close season, but has taken time to settle in.
Saturday was just his second start since August -- the other being the League Cup clash with lower league Grimsby -- and his first goals for the club in nine appearances.
"Of course there is a sense of relief," he said.
"You could see that in my emotions after the first goal, that relief of getting my first goal and being able to help my team at this level.
"It's really good for me."
"It's not always that easy. So I came in had to work for my spot just like everyone does. I'm proud of the journey I've had so far."