He came across as a well-grounded, measured, thoughtful and mature young man.

The 23-year-old Kepa Arrizabalaga was unveiled as the Blues’ new first-choice keeper at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, giving a strong, confident display in front of a school of sharks in the press lounge beneath the east stand.

Helped by a Spanish interpreter – although he does have a basic grasp of English – Kepa said that Chelsea “have made a good bet in bringing me here”.

He added: “I’m grateful to the club for bringing me here.” Asked whether the £71million price tag would be a millstone round his neck, he insisted: “I’m just going to be myself.”

Kepa said he’d been aware of Chelsea’s interest in signing him “for a few weeks”, suggesting that the club may not have been ambushed by Thibaut Courtois’ decision this week to push through a move to Real Madrid by declining to attend a requested meeting with new Blues gaffer Morrie Sarri.

“Some players take time to adapt, others less so,” he said. “We are all different. I realise that the game in England is different, but I have a lot of friends here and they’ve given me good reports about being here.

“I don’t think there will be extra pressure on me; I demand a lot of myself, and always try to give my best to the team.

“I’ve played with some of the Spanish players here [at Chelsea], and they are all happy at the club, and encouraged me to come here.

“We have a very exciting season ahead of us. Can I become a better keeper? Of course! This is a great step forward for me, and for my career. In the next seven years I expect to see personal growth, plus many, many titles!”

Asked how he would adapt to Sarri’s playing style and formation, Kepa said he’d have no problems. “Maurizio’s style is not unlike that of the Spanish national team, and I’m really happy to start.”