Morgan Rogers’ footballing mantra is simple.

‘I always remind myself that I do it for the love of it,’ he says. ‘When I was younger, I just remember being free, playing with joy and spirit and having a smile on my face.

‘I have always tried to keep the joy and happiness that got me here, no matter where I am and what team I’m playing for. I don’t want those feelings to be overridden by the pressures that come with playing at the top level. I’m just trying to enjoy it and have the best time.’

That attitude, first cultivated in Rogers’ childhood and subsequently nurtured throughout his career, played a major role in his decision to join Chelsea.

The prospect of working under Xabi Alonso – who operates ‘very much how I see the game and want to play’ – excites Rogers, as does ‘fitting in nicely’ to a team and a club he knows are laden with potential and possibility.

Of course, the chance to line up alongside his great friend Cole Palmer is something the pair have spoken about for years. Rogers smiles: ‘He’s been ringing and texting me non-stop in the last few days!’

The attacking midfielders have known each other for a decade, but the coming season will be their first at domestic level playing senior football for the same team. It’s a thrilling prospect.

Tall, broad-shouldered and bubbly, Rogers is immediately at ease as he takes in his new surroundings at Cobham. He carries himself with the air of a man who has made an excellent decision in his footballing journey. Now he can’t wait to be a ‘difference-maker’ for Chelsea on the pitch. .

Accompanying Rogers at our training ground are several family members. He is indebted to them for helping him reach this point.

‘They gave me everything, really,’ says Rogers, who turns 24 on Sunday.

‘They gave me a platform to play football, to express myself. They took me to every game and supported me along the way. It means everything that they can be here as well, because I wouldn’t be here without them.

‘My family were always big believers in trying to push me to just be free and be happy, and whatever decisions I make, wherever I end up, that I’m always that – because that would be the best version of me.’

Rogers is engaging and thoughtful throughout the interview. When he says he loves a laugh but also enjoys being involved in proper debates and discussions, you believe him. We ask what challenges he has overcome on his journey. He gives it serious consideration before replying.

‘There have been plenty, really: loans not going well, not playing, in and out of teams, normal struggles living away from home.

‘My loans [from Manchester City to Lincoln, Bournemouth and Blackpool] were massive for me when it came to learning how to deal with adversity on the fly: to experience not playing, or what it was like to fight to win games, or to fight relegation. They helped me learn how to use setbacks in a positive way and fuel me to go again.

‘I overcame them at quite a young age, I'd say, and that put me in good stead to be where I am now, and to push on and feel like I'm in a position where I've seen a lot of football at a young age.

‘Improving my mentality was the most important thing,’ he adds. ‘It’s about getting experiences as quickly as possible and learning how to adapt and to adjust and to be the best version of yourself. Those things were massive for me. They haven't always felt like it in the moment, but looking back at them, they've helped me shape who I am.’

So too has Rogers’ elder brother, Daniel. He is a therapist who has worked closely with Chelsea in the past at Stamford Bridge and Cobham.

Naturally, Daniel’s words of wisdom and expertise on such an important subject have rubbed off on his brother. Since he moved to Aston Villa, established himself as one of the Premier League’s star players and represented England, including at this summer’s World Cup, the scrutiny on Rogers has intensified. That brings hitherto unknown challenges.

‘He has helped me massively, sometimes without me even realising, just from living with him day to day,’ says Rogers.

'He is always challenging my decisions, challenging what I’m thinking naturally. The person he is helps me become a better person. It helps me understand myself more, which is so important because you can get lost and a bit stuck if things don't go your way.

‘All players go through so much. People might forget that we're humans at the end of the day, so disappointment for us is the same as disappointment for anyone else. To talk about it and to help make sure your mind's right and in a good place is the most important thing.

‘To have that guidance and that support from him means everything to me. That's why I say my family is so close. Not just him, all my family, but living with him, I obviously get the benefits, so it’s really nice.'

Now it is Chelsea who will reap the rewards of being able to call upon Rogers’ outstanding ability and love of the game. For that, you can’t wipe the smile off his face – and you can’t wipe the smile off ours, either.