The Croatian international was part of the second group to arrive in Ireland for our pre-season training camp, a week after completing his move from Spain to Stamford Bridge. He was quickly put to work at our Dublin base and could feature in the weekend game against St Patrick’s Athletic.

However, before turning attentions to preparations for the new campaign, the 25-year old reflected on the opportunity to stay at Chelsea.

‘It means a lot because I saw the club wanted me and I wanted to stay here from the first day,’ the midfielder explained. ‘We had a good connection so I’m happy to stay here, to work hard and play well.

‘I had a good relationship with the fans from the start. We had some good games and some bad games but I think in the end we did a good job.’