It does not require much time in the company of Guro Reiten to understand why she has become a firm favourite at Chelsea among teammates, coaches, and supporters alike.

The 29-year-old has an infectious personality and a positive outlook. She has also blossomed into one of the world's finest wingers and made significant contributions on and off the pitch in her time with the Blues.

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It all started for Reiten in the picturesque Norwegian village of Sunndalsora. It is a place surrounded by mountains and not somewhere that would be viewed as a production hub for elite-level footballers.

Yet Reiten's story is one of dedication. She practiced daily, honed her craft. It set her on the path to Stamford Bridge.

‘I’m from a very small place and football was what we were all doing,' she recalls. 'I remember when we got a break at school, I was the first one out on the pitch. We only had 10 minutes to play a game, so we had to be quick.

‘Then after school, it was the same. Always playing. Our parents would have to come and get us home to eat dinner and go to bed. For me, fun was just hanging out with my friends and playing football.’

Reiten played multiple positions in those development years. But she eventually progressed to the attacking end of the pitch and established herself as a winger. It laid the foundations for her to become one of the most talented players on the world stage.

She says: ‘I played in every position as my Mum was my coach. When you’re a kid, you have to swap around because nobody wants to play defender and nobody wants to go in goal, so we had to do all sorts of things in every position.

‘I have a lot of photos of me in goal, but now I’m not tall enough I don’t think! I was slowly going towards the attacking positions.’

Having her mother as her coach meant Reiten received honest feedback. The Chelsea winger admits it wasn't always easy to hear but the ‘firm but fair’ approach has helped her remain humble in the professional game.

‘I’ve been lucky to have so many great coaches throughout my career,' she says. 'My parents' support meant everything. They drove to every game and they still watch every game that I play. I get the best feedback, but sometimes it's the hardest.

‘My Mum is the tough one, she is very honest and if I haven’t played great then I need a bit of time before I call her because I might not like what she is going to say. It’s nice because it keeps me down to earth, she is honest but fair.’

Away from football, Reiten, who signed a new contract with Chelsea in November, highlights the importance of spending time with friends and family.

She has an adventurous side with hiking among her pastimes as well as painting, evidence that her creativity goes beyond the dimensions of a football pitch.

‘Living away from my friends and family, it’s a busy schedule when I do go home,' she says. 'The most important thing to me is spending time with them. I love hiking in the mountains. I would go skiing if I could, but I can’t do that right now while I’m playing football! When I retire I’d like to do that.

‘I love painting, that’s my hobby. It’s been something I’ve been doing when I need to cool down and not think too much. During Covid, we had a lot of time alone at home. I kept that with me because it’s like meditation for me.’

Buy your tickets to watch Guro in action at Stamford Bridge this Sunday!