Petr Cech recently signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea, and the Czech Republic goalkeeper believes the European Champions have a great future ahead of them.
Chelsea have already bought Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Kevin De Bruyne, with Brazilian youngster Oscar expected to be their fourth addition.
Praising the new signings made by the London club so far, Cech believes the fresh recruits will play an important part in what is seen by many as the beginning of a new era for Chelsea. "I think they are getting used to the squad, the language and the atmosphere at the club," the 30-year-old, who has been with the club for eight years, told the club's official website.
"It's a new era, a new way of working and thinking. So far so good, and we hope they are going to continue in the same direction and show they are great additions to the squad.
"It's great to see them enjoying themselves and I think they already feel settled. We need to try to welcome the new players, and they feel settled already so this is great.
Cech admitted it would be interesting going into the new season as defending European champions.
"After the success last season winning the Champions League, some players left and some players came," he said. It will be the first season playing as European champions.
"We have a new manager, if you can say that, and we will look forward to the season.
"It promises a lot of excitement for everybody. There is a Super Cup, a World Club Cup, which we have never played before, and the prospect of challenging Man City, Man United and the other clubs. It's going to be big.
"There is extra pressure because everybody will take us as European champions and we have to prove ourselves, continue playing well and winning trophies, but on the other hand in the league we didn't do well at all last season so we can improve.
"There is an exciting project ahead of us and we would like to get other trophies."
Cech praised the permanent appointment of Roberto Di Matteo, saying the Italian was the right man for the job. "When a manager takes charge and wins the FA Cup and Champions League it is a logical decision," he said.
"I wasn't surprised when it happened and for us players it is an advantage that we know him from last season."
Cech also spoke of something near and dear to him, his goalkeeping academy in his native Czech Republic. "When I was at the age of these kids who are participating in this football camp, in my time there was not anything similar to this," he explained. "There were only usual summer camps and nothing focussed on sport.
"When I was a boy I would have enjoyed going to such a camp so much. I never had the opportunity.
"I am here every year, it is Petr Cech´s academy, it is always at this time when I have free time. Thanks to the Euros the club gave me one extra free week, the rest of the team has been in training since the last week.
"So I always find two days to come and be with the children and share with them some of my experience, to offer them a chance to get my autograph or a picture. They come to meet me, to train with me. We fulfil their wishes every year, I am very happy about that."
