It was revealed earlier this week that Matej Delac is now Chelsea’s longest serving player following the departure of John Terry this summer.Many football fans - even some Chelsea supporters, for that matter - had never even heard of the 24-year-old goalkeeper.How could it be possible that he was Chelsea’s new longest serving player?The former Croatia Under-21 international, despite joining the Blues back in 2009, has never made a competitive appearance for the west London outfit.

He’s had 10 loan spells with various clubs across Europe but inexplicably remains on Chelsea’s books.

Delac reacts to being Chelsea's longest serving player

Goal have now caught up with Delac to get his thoughts about being the Blues’ longest serving player - and here’s what he’s had to say for himself.

"I know about that fact, the fact I have the longest-running professional contract with Chelsea," he told Goal. "This summer, people at the club told me that, we had a good laugh. Yes, it is a little strange but it is all football. Over the past few years, Terry, [Branislav] Ivanovic, [Petr] Cech, [John Obi] Mikel and other experienced players have left the club so I have been here the longest!

"There is also Czech defender Tomas Kalas, who was among the first guys that came with me and also spent a lot of time on loans. Nemanja Matic was here before us, but then left, to be back three years later."

Delac: We're all in a WhatsApp group

Delac also revealed that he and other Chelsea players out on loan at various clubs on the continent are all involved in a WhatsApp group.

"Currently I am in London, and have been since July 1, training with another 15 players who are waiting for a loan or transfer,” he continued. “[Mario] Pasalic was also with us until recently but he has moved to the first team.

"It is true all of us players on loan are in a special WhatAapp group, where we regularly get information on who played best that matchday, who was especially good, who played how many minutes, who scored... everything. But mostly people from the club point out the guy who was the best that weekend."

Delac has played for Chelsea once...

And regardless of whether or not this is his final season at Chelsea, Delac will always treasure the memory of playing for the Blues in a pre-season friendly back in 2014.

"My best experience in Chelsea? There were moments I will remember for life, such as my only appearance for Chelsea, 45 minutes vs Olimpija in Ljubljana," he added.

"You know, I can't get a work permit in England, that is why I can't go on loan to an English club. We all dream of playing in the Premier League, but it is not possible without a work permit.

"I am 24 and I've been through a lot. Of course, at the age of 18 I was not ready for the biggest leagues. But I've learned a lot and have no regrets."