Chelsea defender Gary Cahill says a preseason tour is important for squad spirit.

The Blues will tour the Far East this summer.

"I signed just before we went to Mallorca," recalled the 27-year-old to chelseafc.com. "I hadn't even played a game and so was quite quiet, I only knew a couple of the lads from England duty, but you quickly come out of your shell and become confident enough to speak to people and mix in.

"It's good when you're away to spend as much time with the other lads as possible, you really get to know people when you're training together, eating together and relaxing together, and it helps form a strong team spirit."