'Chelsea means so much to me' - James on new deal
- Published
Chelsea captain Reece James says he always wanted his "peak years to be here" after signing a new long-term deal with the club.
The 26-year-old boyhood Blues supporter has signed a six-year contract to keep him at the club until 2032.
A product of the youth academy, James made his debut in 2019 and has now appeared 225 times for Chelsea, scoring 16 goals and providing 31 assists.
During his time with the first team, he has won the Champions League in 2021, along with the Uefa Super Cup in the same year, as well as the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025.
"I am over the moon to have extended my contract - Chelsea means so much to me," said James.
"I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes.
"I'm excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach and all the staff, and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years."
Recurring injury issues halted his progress in recent seasons but he has been a much more consistent figure in the side this campaign having featured 35 times, starting on 27 occasions.
Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart added: "It is a proud moment for all of us to have Reece extend his contract.
"He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch. Reece knows what it means to wear this badge and, having committed his long-term future to Chelsea, we're looking forward to continuing the journey and working towards further success together."
How important is is that the Blues captain puts his injury issues behind him now? Where could James go on to rank among club legends?