I didn't want to be the rebel who was bottom of the class, so I worked hard. They wanted me to stay on for A-Levels, but football came calling - that was my real love.

If players are performing for you, their age shouldn't really matter, especially because the older players can bring their experience to the table.

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.

Of course it is going to be difficult for any player to get in the Chelsea side no matter who they are.

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

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 remember being in West Ham's youth team and seeing Jody Morris play for Chelsea at 17 and you scoring for Liverpool on your debut when you were 18. I was watching it on Soccer Saturday and I was like, "I can't believe he's scored!" It's professional jealousy. It's best to be honest about it. It gave me real desire. I was thinking "God I want that to be me".