But what club wouldn't welcome the chance to strengthen their side, what club would turn down the resources Chelsea have?

I think every player enjoys praise and I have to work extremely hard on the training ground to bring my game together.

I always wanted to be a winner, to score goals. There was no massive bravery in terms of my mum passing away and stepping up. I just wanted to score. I know everyone would have given me a pass on it if I hadn't taken it. But I'd have had the hump with myself if I'd shirked it.

To be honest, I was Mum's boy. Always was, always will be.

As far as I see it you just can't give Messi space in the dangerous areas - we have to close him down, get tight and give him as little room as we can because if you don't, he can destroy you.

Obviously, it has taken time to work with the players around me and with so many new faces coming in the summer, in a way it's been more difficult.

I am a man who likes to play consistently; I always play better when I'm on a run of games.