Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella reveals he's a High School Musical fan and admits he'll struggle in the North Carolina humidity because he's now a 'British boy'

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella was in high spirits ahead of his first full pre-season with the Blues.

The Spanish full-back swapped Brighton for Chelsea last August in a $81million deal but he endured a difficult debut season in west London.

'For sure, for me and the rest of the team not a good season but it is now in the past,' he said ahead of Chelsea's first pre-season friendly of their USA tour, after Mauricio Pochettino spoke.

'We worked hard in these first two weeks in Cobham. Personally I have a lot of energy because I know my qualities and I have energy and try to show my qualities and try do my best for this club and for my teammates.'

Chelsea takes on Wrexham at The University of Carolina in Chapel Hill on Wednesday night to kickstart their preparations for the 2023-24 season.

Pochettino's threadbare squad touched down in America on Monday night and play four more matches before returning to England.

When asked about what he makes of the area, Cucurella revealed his love for the movie High School Musical.

'Not too much. I see the stadium it is very nice and the university is big,' he said Tuesday.

'I think it is similar like when I watch films like High School Musical. I am happy to stay here and try to enjoy with the fans tomorrow.'

Pochettino and his squad train later tonight, just over 24 hours before the game, offering them a chance to acclimatize to the scorching conditions, with highs of 92F.

Cucurella joked that he's now a 'British Boy' after two years in England's top flight.

'It's very difficult for us. I'm a British boy now and suffer a lot. We'll drink a lot of water and run a lot as well.'