The striker arrived from Ipswich Town in June and two weeks later travelled to the USA as part of our squad for the Club World Cup. It proved the ultimate bonding experience for the striker and his new team-mates.

Delap made his Chelsea debut against Los Angeles FC and registered an assist. A first goal was struck against ES Tunis. And he featured in the round of 16, the quarter-finals, and the final as the Blues went on to be crowned world champions.

Our triumph Stateside resulted in a truncated pre-season. The majority of the Chelsea squad returned to Cobham on August 4, and two friendly matches have been played, against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, in preparation for the forthcoming campaign.

Delap acknowledges that it's a unique situation, but one that 'won’t get in our way' ahead of our opener against Crystal Palace. And our No.9 accepts that the prestige of being called world champions also comes with its challenges.

‘It’s a special feeling, but it’s probably a new pressure we have to deal with,' the 22-year-old explained. 'People are going to be fighting hard against us, but we have got the mindset that we’re ready to compete and show what a good team we are.’

Delap enjoyed his first runouts at Stamford Bridge against Leverkusen and Milan, netting twice against the latter and getting to celebrate on home soil for the first time.

Estevao and Joao Pedro got to do the same in our pre-season fixtures, while Jamie Gittens also impressed after he joined the Blues from Borussia Dortmund last month.

‘They are really high-quality players and I’m sure they are going to bring a lot of joy and good football to the team,' Delap said of his fellow summer arrivals.

‘Of course, the quality of the team is incredible and we’ve got some really, really talented players. There's the competitive side you need in big teams to compete for trophies; it’s so important to have that depth.

'I’ve got to try my best, they’ve got to try their best, and hopefully we can do it together.’

Digital tickets have been introduced for games at Stamford Bridge this season, and you can find more information here ahead of our Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

Supporters are being urged to arrive from 1pm to witness a special unveiling ceremony and enjoy a fan appreciation offer. And those who need help in the build-up to our game can access various help points around Stamford Bridge. See the map below.