"We all know that we can be brilliant in one game and still be on the bench or watching from the stands for the next. It’s difficult but we all know the situation.
“I saw my name was being thrown around in the papers and I was being linked with other clubs. But I called my dad at the start of the season and we had a long chat. He told me it is a matter of rising to the challenge.
“He said you couldn’t find a top team in Europe now that hasn’t got three or four top strikers in the squad. He said if I play to my best I’ll have nothing to worry about. He faced a similar situation when he was a player.
“In his day, Anderlecht were a big, big side and he stayed seven years and fought for his place. So he understood precisely how I felt. It made me feel a lot better. It’s great to have your family supporting you.
“I feel privileged that my dad really understands what the situation is.
A sign of how much Chelsea have changed in the last few months is that Eidur was the third longest serving Chelsea player taking part against Lazio. Only Carlo Cudicini and John Terry had been here longer!
"I couldn’t believe it when I heard I was the third-longest serving player - I feel like I’ve only just arrived. The new lads are settling well. There are lots of different nationalities but the language barrier is not a problem.
“We’re used to it here now. Besides, players of the calibre of Mutu and Crespo do not need words to build an understanding with you. I’ve got a long way to go on my contract and I hope one day I’ll be the longest-serving player here.”
And there's no doubt that the Lazio game was a great occasion for the players: “We enjoyed the night in Rome. No one expected that result. But we have to forget that. If you’re not on top form all the time in the team, you are out.
“The same goes in the league. One slip and it will give Arsenal and Manchester United every opportunity to take advantage. But I am proud to wear the shirt. I signed a new contract in the summer and am very content.
“The squad is big now, we now we must be on top form all the time. But the players have a lot of respect for each other. Adrian has had a great start. And Hernan has scored in virtually every game he has played in.
“Last summer, we all knew Gianfranco Zola was considering his future at the club. When he went everyone expected there to be more signings. But as my dad says, it’s time to face up to all the challenges and not let it get you down.”
Great stuff from a future Stamford Bridge legend....