A boyhood Blues supporter, Reece began training with the club at six years old. He would later join our development centre programme and rose through the youth ranks at Cobham. His talent was always undeniable.

After enjoying huge success in our Academy, Reece made the step up to our first-team squad ahead of the 2019/20 season. He has gone on to make 225 appearances for Chelsea, lifting trophies including the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup in the process.

Liam Rosenior has hailed James as the best player in his position in world football. No Chelsea supporter would argue with that billing. He is also our captain – a leader on and off the pitch.

At 26 years old, James' commitment to Chelsea is as strong as ever. It's why he has signed a new contract until 2032 and why he is confident of further success in the seasons ahead.

‘It means everything to me,' James replied when asked about his feelings after signing his new contract. 'This club is all I’ve known. I grew up a Chelsea fan and my dream was to always play for the club. So, I’ve over the moon.

‘The love I have for the club [was why the contract was signed]. I came up through the ranks here at Chelsea and my only dream was in blue and playing at Stamford Bridge. When I had the opportunity to extend, it wasn’t a question of thinking twice.’

Almost 20 years have passed since James' first sessions at our training base in Cobham, for which he would arrive in official club kit even though it wasn't mandatory or supplied.

It was an indication, even at that young age, of the pride James had in representing the club. Something that continues to this day.

‘To be honest, going back that long, I never imagined it would go this way,' he said. 'Just playing once at Stamford Bridge would’ve been enough for me. So, to achieve what I have in my career has been a dream.

'There are a lot of people who have helped me get to where I am. My family: my mum, dad, brother and sister. My friends around me. They have all helped play a massive part in my getting to where I am today.’

On his early years at Chelsea, our captain continued: ‘Coming through at Chelsea, you are drilled into winning at such a young age. Everything is about winning, whether it’s games or tournaments. So it’s in our blood and DNA, and when we don’t win, there is upset and disappointment.’

James has carried that mentality into his senior career with the Blues, and it's ensured he has lifted silverware for the club he has always supported.

Yet as explained in a wide-ranging, exclusive interview with the Chelsea Official App and website – which can be viewed at the top of this article – he believes there are several more successful chapters to be written in his Chelsea story.

'I’ve won a fair few major trophies and they were great experiences, great memories. I hope to make many more,' he said.

'There are still trophies we need to win – we need to win the Champions League again, the Premier League, the domestic cups. I believe I can win all of this here.

'My message to the supporters is that I’m over the moon to extend. Thanks for all your support; you stuck with me when I had setback after setback over a number of years. Hopefully, I can repay you all.’