‘We have by no means seen a group do that to PSG’ – how Chelsea received Membership World Cup

There has been much debate about how much this newly expanded trophy means.

But it does mean you can call yourself world champions – until the next competition is played, scheduled for 2029. And Chelsea will be able to wear a badge on their kit to reiterate it.

It’s also been worth between £80m and £90m in prize money.

“The fans will have bragging rights for the next four years,” said Townsend.

“Nobody will be able to say anything to Chelsea fans because they are world champions, not for one year but for four years until 2029. Wow, what an achievement.”

And there was no doubting how much it meant to the players and staff, who celebrated it as enthusiastically as they would have a Champions League or Premier League trophy.

Their players clashed with PSG’s team on the pitch afterwards, with the French champions visibly upset with the defeat – with Blues boss Maresca acting as peacekeeper.

“I feel that this competition will be as important as or even more important than the Champions League,” said Maresca.

“I was lucky enough to be part of a coaching staff [at Manchester City] that won the Champions League three years ago, but this competition features the best clubs in the world. That’s why we value it as much as the Champions League, or perhaps even more.

“For us, it was a great triumph. Allowing Chelsea fans to wear that world champion patch on their shirts is a source of pride for us.”

Palmer added: “It’s a great feeling. Even better because everyone doubted us before the game, we knew that. To put a fight on like we did, it’s good,” said Palmer.