Alonso on ownership, Joao Pedro and Brentford

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

On the ownership news announced on Wednesday, Alonso said: "I think it is an important day for the club. Thanks to the former owners for what they have done. I was not here but I know that they played an important role. I have a very good relationship with Behdad [Eghbali]; he was the one who came to Madrid to explain the project to convince me and we are working well together."