Diego Costa may play the role of Chelsea's snarling anti-hero to a tee but that side of striker was nowhere to be seen on Wednesday as he and his fellow team-mates visited sick young patients in a west London hospital.
The struggling 16th-placed Blues put their Premier League woes behind them for a day to connect with their young fans at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital where they gave out gifts, including autographed photos, and posed for pictures.
The day also included making guest appearances at the Chelsea Bridge Kids Christmas Party, a special day at Stamford Bridge for the club's youngest devotees.
After a morning training session under Mourinho at Cobham, players headed to the local hospital at about 3pm to surprise patients who won't be able to go home for Christmas.
Defender Gary Cahill took delight in spending some time with the young patients on what has become an annual visit for the former Bolton man.
The visit is something we do every year and it's brilliant to see the smiles on the faces of the children when we arrive, especially with it being so close to Christmas,' Cahill toldchelseafc.The visit is something we do every year and it's brilliant to see the smiles on the faces of the children when we arrive, especially with it being so close to Christmas,' Cahill toldchelseafc.com.
'Having a child in hospital means it's obviously a really tough time for the families as well, so if we can help give them a little lift it makes a difference.
'The children all seemed really happy to see us and one boy even gave us all a little present, which was a very nice touch and really meant a lot. It's always a day the players look forward to every year.'
'Having a child in hospital means it's obviously a really tough time for the families as well, so if we can help give them a little lift it makes a difference.
'The children all seemed really happy to see us and one boy even gave us all a little present, which was a very nice touch and really meant a lot. It's always a day the players look forward to every year.'
Back at the Bridge, captain John Terry was the king of the kids at their annual party attended by 220 young fans.
They arrived at the annual Bridge Kids Christmas party, held in the stadium's Drake Suite, to screams of delight from the guests who were already enjoying party food and music.
Players put their best selfie faces on again and posed for photos while signing shirts and photographs.
Terry spoke on behalf of the players and wished the kids a Merry Christmas and after his name was chanted throughout the afternoon, Costa did the same in Portuguese and English.
The day out for Chelsea's players perhaps comes at the right time, when a smile and a reconnection with their fans could be just what the doctor ordered as they prepare to take on Sunderland on Saturday.
After their defeat by leaders Leicester on Monday, Chelsea are a solitary point from the relegation places, and if they should lose to Sam Allardyce's Black Cats this weekend they will be level on 15 points. It's a horror scenario for the defending champions but one Cahill believes can change.
'There are some great memories and I don't think we should forget the manner in which we won the Premier League, leading from the start, which was an unbelievable achievement for everyone at the club,' Cahill told Chelsea magazine.
'The flip side, as always with football, is that it's a game of two halves – and we've had a difficult period. Last season was fantastic, this season has been tough, but we're looking to turn that around. We're working hard to make things right.'
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