The 19-year-old may only be starting his third month as a Chelsea player, but seeing Ugochukwu around Cobham you can tell he is a settled and happy young man. That has been clear from his time on the pitch, too, even as he adapts to the rigours of English football.

‘It’s been really good,’ confirms Ugochukwu.

‘Everyone has been kind with me. I joined the squad in the U.S and from there we did pre-season. I am very happy to be part of this team.

‘I’m close with the French players – and there are a lot in the squad!’ adds Lesley.

‘It’s helped a lot. When I speak with Malo or Axel, I can be natural [on the pitch]. If the ball goes right, I can say, ‘Axel, droit!’ So that has helped. I speak with everyone, though. There is a good mood here.’

Ugochukwu’s formative years were spent in France with Rennes, where he clocked up significant playing time despite his youthfulness.

Like so many talented footballers from over the Channel, Ugochukwu kept a close eye on what was unfolding in the Premier League, gaining mentors and starting to understand what it would take to feature in England’s top flight.

‘When I was a child, I always dreamed of playing in the best league in the world,’ he says.

‘When I was small, I watched the big teams like Chelsea. So it was a dream. When I heard they wanted me to join, I didn’t hesitate. I wanted to be part of this team and play in the Premier League.

‘Growing up, watching the Premier League, I liked John Mikel Obi. A midfielder like me. Also, some of my coaches liked to tell me I played like Patrick Vieira. So I watched some of his clips and he’s a top player.

‘The French league is a good league but when I came on against Liverpool, Luton, and when I started against Bournemouth, it’s different. The Premier League is a different intensity. You have to run, don’t have time to walk, always be active. It’s up and down the pitch. The intensity is hard.’

Ugochukwu has already realised his dream of joining Chelsea, but his ambitions don’t stop there. He has twin targets he wants to fulfil in the blue shirt.

‘I’m young but like all players, I want to win trophies. I am at one of the biggest clubs in the world to win trophies and make my name. That is what I work towards every day.’