These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Johnson hails Rice

Sky Sports pundit Glen Johnson has admitted to being a huge admirer of reported Chelsea transfer target Declan Rice

Speaking in a report that was repeated in Football 365, the former Blues defender heaped praise on the England midfielder and revealed his hopes that the Blues would bring him to Stamford Bridge.

‘I think they can do with him because of the legs,’ Johnson said. ‘He has got a lot of energy; he charges around and he’s super passionate so I think he would suit the club.

‘As long as he leaves West Ham on good terms then they will still love him.’

The 22-year-old was impressive at Euro 2020 and became an important player for Gareth Southgate. He currently has three more years left on his contract at West Ham.

‘I think he would suit the Chelsea team,’ Johnson added. ‘Imagine the legs of him and N’Golo Kante.

‘I’d like to see that for sure.’

Hudson-Odoi rents out theme park for key workers

Blues winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has treated key workers and school leavers to a day out in Thorpe Park.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, the 20-year-old set up the event to show key workers appreciation for all the sacrifices they have made during the pandemic.

‘The 20-year-old Londoner organised the event which saw local teachers and staff from St George’s Hospital in Tooting enjoy the facilities at the theme park away from crowds,’ the report stated.

The winger also recently returned from a trip to Ghana where he organised grassroots football coaching events for youngsters.

Hudson-Odoi will be looking to start the season on a high when we face Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup final in Belfast on Wednesday evening.

Emery looks back at Europa League triumph

Former Arsenal coach Unai Emery has reflected on the only ever Europa League final loss in his career ahead of our UEFA Super Cup final against his Villarreal side.

Speaking to UEFA, the Spaniard looked back at our 4-1 win against Arsenal in Baku to win the Europa League.

‘That final was against Chelsea and both teams could feel they had a 50 per cent chance,’ he said. ‘We’d been similar during the league season.

‘We had a great first half but weren’t able to get ahead.’

Emery also praised former Blues winger Eden Hazard, who scored a brace in his last game for Chelsea.

‘On that night Eden Hazard made the difference,’ he added. ‘He came alive in the second half, and we lost 4-1.

‘We lost fair and square.’