After James’ contract was announced on Friday morning, the Chelsea captain joined his head coach Liam Rosenior for the afternoon’s pre-match press conference, ahead of our Premier League meeting with Newcastle United.

Sitting down at Cobham with the nation’s media afterwards, he was asked what the Blues mean to him after coming through our Academy system since the age of six and why this has always been the right place to remain.

‘I came through at this club, this was the one and only club I wanted to play for,’ said James. ‘I’ve won major trophies here. Why would I not extend? This is my home, my family is here.

‘The club is on the right path to winning trophies consistently again and I believe we will do that. That’s why I’m still here and I re-signed.

‘This club is my home, it’s the place I love and I want to be. Money’s not the be all and end all. Happiness and where I want to be means more to me and I want to win here, and we will win here.’

James was also asked about the team huddles he leads as captain on the pitch, with the Blues coming together in the centre circle before the start of each half in matches.

‘This is what we do,’ Reece responded. ‘I like to speak to the players right before the first half starts, right before the second half starts.

‘That’s just the way I want to do things and the best way I think I can get messages across to the team.’

It’s something we’re likely to see plenty more of in the years to come then, starting at tomorrow’s home game against Newcastle, with the Blues skipper now set to remain at Stamford Bridge until at least 2032.