In quotes: Chelsea players react to capturing Premier League crown

The title was arguably sewn up before Christmas, but there was no danger of complacency creeping in with Antonio Conte at the helm.

So there was still a clear sense of relief, followed by champagne-popping delirium, when Chelsea clinched the Premier League trophy at West Bromwich Albion on Friday, and that was evident in the words from the protagonists of the Blues' top-tier assault.

Related - Back on top: Chelsea clinches 2nd Premier League title in 3 seasons

Here are the best soundbites from the main personalities behind Chelsea's triumph:

Conte felt part of the action

"Every game I feel like I have played with my players! I show my passion and my will, my desire to stay with my players in every moment of the game. This is me, I am this," the manager told BBC Sport.

"In the present, in the past, I stay with my players in positive and negative situations. We won this title together."

Fabregas' potty mouth

"This is the beauty of football, you know? A player that didn't play a lot, that everybody thought, you know, he doesn't count too much, and then he scores the winning goal for the championship - I mean ... football is f------ unbelievable," Cesc Fabregas gushed about Michy Batshuayi's winner.

Goalscorer Batshuayi revels in being the hero

Luiz needs a lie-down

"He likes to work, works with passion every day. I am happy for him. He deserves it because he is working hard every day," David Luiz said of Conte's managerial style, according to BBC Sport.

"I need bed and to sleep."

Hazard highlights importance of loss at Arsenal

"It's amazing to celebrate with the fans. The game was so difficult. We are very happy," Eden Hazard shared with BBC Sport.

"We talked a lot about the manager already, he is fantastic and we work a lot in training. Full credit to him and the players. We lost to Arsenal and then we went on an unbelievable run.

"That's when we said that we can win the league."

Skipper Terry appreciates his vice-captain's role

"We will lift it together of course," John Terry, stood alongside Gary Cahill, told the Guardian when asked about the trophy presentation. "Gaz has been playing week in and week out and has been different class."

Cahill wants to lift the cup

"We felt confident in the dressing room all season. There is a danger you start believing you are champions when you are not," Cahill told BBC Sport.

"The league is in the bag, it is an amazing achievement for everyone involved. These are moments you need to cherish. I can't wait to get my hands on that trophy."

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)