With Christmas rapidly approaching, we’ve spoken to a number of Chelsea players across our men’s and women’s teams to find out about their favourite holiday memories as we countdown to the big day.

To kick-off the campaign, we caught up with Romeo Lavia who highlighted why family is so important at this time of year – while also issuing a special Christmas message to Chelsea fans all around the globe.

Over to you, Romeo…

‘A traditional Christmas for me and my family usually starts on December 24, as we would all get together and have a big family meal,’ the midfielder explains.

‘There would be lots of food - not always the healthiest! – but it would be a nice moment to all get together and share these times.

‘Then the next day, on December 25, we would spend the morning opening all our presents together. These are some of the best memories I have from growing up.

‘It’s nice to get together as a family when we can. It’s the end of the year, we are all doing different things so it’s about enjoy each other’s presence. It’s a time to all get together and just enjoy the moment.’

Lavia’s Christmas message

Before signing off, our summer arrival wished supporters celebrating around the world a very Merry Christmas and delivered the following message…

‘What I would like to share with the Chelsea supporters this Christmas is to just enjoy the moments with your families, take the time to show them the love you have for them as it’s really important,’ Romeo adds.

‘And, of course, I wish everyone celebrating a very Merry Christmas!’