It has been the ideal start to life at Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson. Not only has his exuberant and friendly personality been felt within the dressing room, but his attacking qualities have been showcased on the pitch in just two matches.
Against Wrexham, Jackson featured for 45 minutes. A further 30 were played as a second-half substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion. And yet the Senegal international has three assists and a goal to his name in Chelsea blue.
He has settled nicely, with his presence felt instantly on the club's pre-season tour. Our trip to the U.S is giving our new additions time to get to know their team-mates, and also gain an understanding of Mauricio Pochettino’s style of work.
So, after he netted against Brighton in the Premier League Summer Series on Saturday, we spoke to Nicolas to see how much he is enjoying our tour stateside.
‘Things are going very well, I am very happy right now. It is very hot but I am used to it, it’s the same in Spain and Senegal,’ he grins.
‘The running is not even too bad, it is fine. I am used to it. There are similarities between the boss [Pochettino] and Unai Emery, who coached me at Villarreal.
‘I get on with everyone. I talk to everybody. We chill out together. We’re playing cards, playing games when we are not training.’
Jackson also spoke of drawing inspiration from Didier Drogba’s legacy at Stamford Bridge - and is confident his impressive start is the beginning of something special.
‘Of course, I assisted after two minutes on my debut [against Wrexham], and I am so happy because scoring for Chelsea is a big, big thing. I am hopefully going to be a big player for this club.
‘If I can be as successful as the likes of Drogba, Demba Ba and [Eden] Hazard, then I will be happy. They are Chelsea legends. If I want to be considered a legend, I have to be even better than them.’
Jackson joined from Spanish side Villarreal this summer and, after a week settling in at Cobham, jetted straight across the Atlantic for this tour.
The striker is looking forward to returning to his new home, where he will look to settle in off the pitch.
‘Life’s been going by quickly. Back in England, I’m still in a hotel. Next, I’m buying a house near Cobham. My family are all back in Senegal, but they’ll be visiting me sometimes, for sure,' he adds, still smiling and grinning.
‘I’m looking forward to going into London properly when I return from America. This time, not to do my visa but to shop around Soho, to chill, and to try new food. I love my fashion, but I don’t like to show it a lot.
‘If you came to my house, you’d see my closet and be impressed, believe me.’