“He is just someone who I always looked up to,” James told Sky Sports.

“To play in the same team is just surreal for me. I think when I first met him it was just a bit weird. Growing up as a kid, looking up to someone and then end up playing with them. Not just being great on the pitch but off the pitch as well, someone that obviously inspire me a lot.

“I think when I first met him he came and sat next to me in the changing room and he said ‘I know it is a big move for you, if you need anything here is my number. If you ever need a message, or someone to talk to I’ll be here’. That was great for me.”