In the aftermath of Chelsea’s thrilling win over Manchester United, club captain Reece James delivered a passionate message that every Chelsea fan will love to hear: “Chelsea belong in the Champions League.”

Speaking to Sky Sports following the dramatic late victory, James cut a confident and determined figure, reflecting the mood in the Chelsea camp.

With Europe’s elite competition just within reach, James made it clear where he believes the Blues should be: “I think that’s where the club belongs, in the Champions League. Competing in the best competitions.”

James was quick to praise the team’s collective effort throughout a rollercoaster season. “We have been working the whole season. The messages have been clear from the start. Executing them has been hard, but this is what we do – day in, day out.”

Chelsea’s young squad has often been the subject of criticism, with pundits and fans alike citing inexperience as a weakness. But against a battle-hardened Manchester United side, Chelsea’s youngsters showed maturity and fight. James, himself a product of the Chelsea academy, fired back at the doubters: “People like to write us off and call us inexperienced. We played against a very experienced United team today. We were there and we won the game. We got what we needed to do.”