Busy day in Beijing

Two hard training sessions filled the first full day in China for the players but they were each followed by a chance meet with supporters.

Early on Thursday afternoon, Brazilian duo David Luiz and Willian, along with Pedro and Victor Moses, made the journey to the Nike store in the city’s Solano Shopping Park. There they greeted supporters and showed off the Premier League trophy.

Shortly after being introduced, the quartet helped print a new replica Chelsea home shirt with ‘champions’ and the number 17 emblazoned across the back, before signing the jersey and making a presentation to the store manager.

They then took part in a Q&A session with members of the local media, who wanted to know their thoughts on defending the Premier League crown during the upcoming season and the influence of Antonio Conte.

Moses said: ‘It’s fantastic for us to be able to come down to the Nike store and meet all of these wonderful supporters.

‘They are so passionate about Chelsea and as players we really enjoy going to different countries all around the world to meet our fans.

‘The welcome we have received since arriving in China has been amazing and we hope the supporters will come along to cheer us on in our game against Arsenal on Saturday.’

With the trophy in full view, the players were greeted by hundreds of delighted supporters, all in great voice and determined to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Competition winners were invited up to the stage for scarves and footballs to be signed, before posing for photographs.

The conclusion to the event was in fitting style, with all four players leading the fans in a memorable rendition of our club anthem Blue is the Colour.

The Premier League trophy was whisked across town and was there again at ‘An Evening with Chelsea’ hosted at the team’s hotel. Special guests of Yokohama and other partners were among those attending, as were the Chelsea squad.

‘I am enjoying our pre-season here,’ Conte told those present. ‘We worked very hard in Cobham at our training ground and now in China, we have the need to work so hard and then to play a good friendly game against Arsenal.

‘Last season was great for Chelsea and for sure this season we try to build something important for the present and for the future. It won’t be easy because we know the difficulty of the Premier League but we want to fight until the end to win the title again, and to have a good Champions League.’

•      There will be more from Antonio Conte on this website tomorrow, looking ahead to Saturday’s game against Arsenal.