Mateo Kovacic is happy to be staying with Chelsea.

The midfielder has signed permanently from Real Madrid after last season's successful loan.

"It means a lot because I saw the club wanted me and I wanted to stay here from the first day," Kovacic told chelseafc.com. "We had a good connection so I'm happy to stay here, to work hard and play well.

"I had a good relationship with the fans from the start. We had some good games and some bad games but I think in the end we did a good job."

Kovacic made 51 appearances for the Blues last term and played an important role as they claimed a third-place finish in the Premier League and the Europa League title.

"It was my first year so it was very difficult but I think I did well," he continued. "It could have been even better but we won a trophy, which is always important, and we finished third.

"It's important to rest well because we had a tough season with a lot of ups and downs. We were tired physically and mentally but now we are ready and preparing to have a great season.

"I'm looking forward to working hard - I'm enjoying it but already it's been very tough. I've never had such a hard start! The coach has said how important it will be to work hard and prepare for a long and tough season."