New Treatment Could Mean Michael Ballack Is Ready For South Africa – German Doctor

The World Cup dreams of Germany captain Michael Ballack may not be over after all, as a doctor has declared that new treatment methods could speed up the healing process of the 33-year-old.

Injured in the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Portsmouth last weekend, the midfielder was swiftly ruled out of any possible action in South Africa, but Dr. Markus Becker of the German Orthopedics Network has suggested that that decision was taken a little too quickly.

“With the help of a new treatment method could be accelerated healing significantly,” he told Bild. “I think that Ballack could in any case be at least partially restored for the World Cup.”

The new method of treatment involves injecting an acid into the injured ligaments, and Nuernberg club doctor, Dr. Matthias Brem, has endorsed this technique, stating that it has helped one of his players make a remarkable recovery.

Oliver Bierhoff has hit back on behalf of the DFB (German FA), stating: “Dr. Muller-Wohlfahrt [the medic to the national side] is an internationally respected physician. We have every confidence in him. We have always fought for every player - even for Michael Ballack. Distance diagnoses do not make sense.”

Therefore, it seems that Germany will make no late u-turn on the Chelsea ace before naming their final squad.

Florent Malouda Wants To Replicate Chelsea Form With France In South Africa

France have been in far from impressive form in the build-up towards the 2010 World Cup, but highly-rated Chelsea winger Florent Malouda is still full of ambition.

"It’s difficult to say how the players who were excluded [from France's World Cup squad] will feel; I imagine that they’re very disappointed. But now, for those who are part of the group, it’s time to get serious, to take responsibility," he told FIFA.com.

"There is a lot of work to do and I can assure you that we have no intention of turning up at the World Cup with our heads down. We’re going to South Africa to win.

"When you have the good fortune to win trophies at club level, as was the case this season with Chelsea, you want to replicate that with your national team.

"I’m ambitious, there’s no denying it. Nicolas Anelka and I would love to relive our recent successes, but with France this time."

Chelsea Battling Manchester City In Race To Sign James Milner From Aston Villa

Chelsea has joined Manchester City in the fight to sign James Milner from Aston Villa, according to a report from The Sun.

City is believed to have had an initial bid of £25 million rejected by Villa, and is now readying a second offer of £30m.

However, Chelsea, still reportedly smarting from being beaten to Robinho by the Citizens two summers ago, are keen to make sure that they don't lose out again.

The report claims that Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti feels that the prospect of playing Champions League football at Stamford Bridge will tip the balance in his club's favour as far as Milner is concerned.

Milner, 24, has two years left on his current deal. He is an ambitious player who wants to win trophies and become an England regular and may see lining up alongside the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard as a more likely route of achieving this than joining former team-mate Gareth Barry at Eastlands.

Chelsea Pair Dropped As Serbia Cut Their World Cup Squad To 24

Serbia's coach Radomir Antic today cut his World Cup squad to 24 players with the Chelsea duo of Slobodan Rajkovic and Nemanja Matic two of the six players to be omitted.

The Ajax attacker Miralem Sulejmani, PSV Eindhoven's defender Jagos Vukovic, the Partizan Belgrade midfielder Nemanja Tomic and Red Star Belgrade's striker Dejan Lekic will also miss out.

The Valencia forward Nikola Zigic was retained and says he does not feel any extra pressure after being tipped by Antic to be one of the stars in South Africa.

"The coach's words are not a burden," Zigic said. "It's good that Antic praised me and I will try to justify his confidence. I always give my best for Serbia and it will always be that way."

Serbia were drawn in Group D alongside Germany, Ghana and Australia.

Ancelotti Urges Asian Kids To Sign Up For Chelsea

With less than two weeks to go before the start of Chelsea’s second Search for an Asian Star campaign Manager Carlo Ancelotti is encouraging young Asian players to sign to the groundbreaking scheme.

The program is designed to breakdown barriers between football and the Asian community while encouraging young Asian players to get involved with the game at all levels.

Through a series of tests and matches, Chelsea hopes to uncover stars of the future. Two of last year’s winners have now gone to sign for professional club academies.

“This is a huge opportunity to come to Chelsea and enjoy the best coaches and the best training ground,” said the Double winning manager. “Everyone with a love for the game should sign up and see what they can do – it will be great fun and a good way to make new friends and who knows, perhaps one day we will see you at Chelsea.” The tournament will take place on the second May Bank Holiday weekend (29-31) for players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds aged eight to 13-years-old.

Participants will take part in series tests specifically designed and used by the Chelsea academy to examine speed, skill and ability followed by small sided games.

One player from each age group will be selected for a week's training with the Chelsea academy squads during the summer. Two of last year's winners have since gone to be signed by Leyton Orient and Southend.

Chelsea Football Club will also be inviting managers, coaches and scouts from clubs at all levels of the game to identify talented youngsters and information will also be on hand for Asian players to find clubs in their area.

Know Your Chairman - Bruce Buck

When hearing Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck speak, one may wonder what series of events brought him to Stamford Bridge. Here is an American, themselves not known as particularly strong football lovers, running one of the more successful Premier League sides in recent history.

Just another successful businessman perhaps, lured by Roman Abramovich’s millions to oversee the development of the club, passed off as yet another ‘lifelong supporter’. At a time when the Liverpool chairman has openly declared himself a lifelong Chelsea fan and you might argue who gives a damn where his allegiances lie.

Bruce Buck, however, has indeed been a Chelsea supporter long before the days of Roman Abramovich and the subsequent success they have been able to enjoy since as a result of his millions. Buck left New York for England in 1983 and became a Chelsea fan not long after, becoming a season ticket holder in the early 1990s. As a graduate of Columbia University Law School, Buck was a founding managing partner of the London office of the biggest U.S law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

Buck represents both European and non-European clients, specializing in mergers, acquisitions and capital market transactions. He was particularly involved in overseeing the firm’s Russian practice since the opening of a Moscow office in 1992. It is through these connections that led Buck to meet Roman Abramovich.

It was Buck who advised Abramovich on his £140 million purchase of Chelsea Football Club in 2003, as well as having done legal work on acquisitions for the Russian company Siberian Oil (Sibneft), of which Abramovich was the majority shareholder. Bruce Buck remains the only person, besides Abramovich to own a share of the football club, holding the mighty amount of one single share.

Bruce Buck is one of the more vocal and recognizable individuals at Chelsea, known for his occasional media interviews. Backed by an owner who refuses to involve himself in the media, Buck maintains the connection between the business and the supporters, responding to any queries and concerns which the supporters and indeed the media may choose to express. Not that the club has too much to worry about at the present time.

Financial reports released last December revealed that all of the club’s outstanding debt had been converted into equity, making Chelsea effectively debt free. This is a worrying sign for the clubs challenging for Chelsea’s crown, a sign of the continuing success and development of the club in the future. Bruce Buck has certainly made an impact during his time at Stamford Bridge. An American he may be, but with Chelsea Football Club very much in his heart, doing the best for his club. Unlike some owners up the road in Liverpool I could mention.

Chelsea Captain John Terry Is A 'Jerk' - Ex-Liverpool Striker Andriy Voronin

Former Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin has blasted John Terry for the challenge that saw him require surgery and stated Jamie Carragher is "capable of wickedness".

The Dynamo Moscow player went under the knife this week to correct a nose injury suffered when Terry made contact with his face during England's 2-1 win against Ukraine at Wembley last year.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Voronin believed he was intentionally struck by the Chelsea captain and called him a "jerk".

"Terry couldn't clear the ball cleanly, so hit me in the face," Voronin said.

"Jerk! In my opinion, he did it deliberately. Terry is capable of wickedness. As are Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand. They are the masters."

Voronin cut short his Premier League stay in January when he moved for £1.8m to Dynamo after a lacklustre spell in the English top flight. And he didn't have many kind words for the football he experienced at Anfield.

"In England it's carnage," Voronin said.

"If in a match one of the players doesn't bleed, doesn't smash his head in a collision or lose his leg, the fans feel cheated - the game was a failure.

"It's a crazy pace from the first minute to the final whistle. Complete dedication, tremendous atmosphere in the stadiums, but the tactics of most teams are simple in the extreme: throw the ball 50 yards up the pitch and then mob rush up to the opposition goal to score."

Malouda Wants Chelsea To Dominate

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda wants the Stamford Bridge club to emulate Manchester United and dominate the Premier League for years to come.

Malouda bagged 12 goals as the Blues denied their Manchester rivals a fourth successive league crown in a title race which went right to the last day of the season.

Chelsea also ended the domestic season on a high with victory in last weekend's FA Cup final over Portsmouth to secure a first ever double.

But despite the successes still being fresh in the mind, Malouda is already looking ahead to next season.

"Next year we will come back with more appetite," he told the club's official website.

"That (the Double) should be the minimum for us every year now.

"We have to regularly be at the top like Manchester United was for three years. That's our target now.

'We are Chelsea, we want to win everything, now we have the Double and we have to try and win more because when you get to the stage where you relax, that's when it goes wrong.

"Maybe the manager will bring out something more from us because we have big ambitions for next year."

Buck Expects Blues Arrivals

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has confirmed that manager Carlo Ancelotti plans to sign two or three new players this summer.

The Blues have enjoyed a season to remember after following up their Premier League title by landing the FA Cup against Portsmouth to complete their first-ever double.

Buck insists the club is always looking to strengthen where possible, although the squad does not require wholesale changes following their successful campaign.

Chelsea could lose the likes of Deco and Michael Ballack this summer and Buck is waiting to see who departs before outlining their options going forward.

Despite the prospect of flexing their muscles in the transfer market Buck insists the club is determined to promote from within and give youth a chance.

"I have said that in every year there is some refreshing of the squad and maybe we can expect three or four in and three or four out," he told the club's official website.

"But this year I think Carlo has said two or three in and two or three out and he is very satisfied with the current squad.

"We can expect a couple of changes but that is just the nature of football, you can't have the jigsaw puzzle together and that is it forever.

"Let's see how the summer pans out. Once we are really clear on the kind of vacancies we may have and what we want to fill, we will decide what kind of player we want.

"Between now and the end of the transfer season there will be a story somewhere that every great player in Europe is coming to Chelsea.

"We will just have to see how it pans out. I honestly think that a year ago I was the one who first used the phrase 'marquee player' and I have regretted it ever since.

"Every year, because of players being injured, players being not as good or better than expected or opportunities arising, it is an ever-changing scene so we can expect some changes during the summer, but we don't agree with some of the comments that we have an old squad.

"Our average age is 27 to 28 years old and we do expect a number of players from the Academy and the reserves to be in the first-team squad next year."

Buck revealed the club saluted Ancelotti and his coaching staff at a board meeting on Monday for their successful season.

"Chelsea had a board meeting on Monday at Cobham and the board formally thanked Carlo and his staff and the players for a job well done but it was also pointed out that Monday was the start of the new season," he continued.

"We have to start looking forward and are planning for the new season.

"The double is something special, very few teams have done it, and certainly in the last seven years this has to be the best season we have had.

"But we have to keep in mind that this is a season that has had a few ups and downs.

"The other Premier League titles that we have won in recent history were, from start to finish, pretty straightforward, if you can use that word.

"We were ahead all the time and won those titles in April. It is a lot different from winning it on the last day of the season."

Carlo Ancelotti Rejects Mick McCarthy Deal

Mick McCarthy has seen a bid to extend Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne's loan deal rejected by Carlo Ancelotti.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy wanted Mancienne for another season but has fallen foul of the new home-grown players rule introduced by the Premier League.

Carlo Ancelotti needs Mancienne to stay, as he must have eight English players in his squad next term.

Manchester United, Chelsea & Manchester City Eye £46 Million Swoop For Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Barcelona superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set for a £46 million switch to Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City after David Villa's arrival at the Nou Camp.

The Catalan giants have agreed a £34.2 million deal with Valencia to bring the lethal centre forward to the club. Sport has reported this has pushed Ibrahimovic towards the Premier League as Barcelona look to balance the books.

United have been linked all summer with a move for a top-line centre forward to support Wayne Rooney. City's billions and the presence of Ibrahimovic's ex-Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini makes them a possible destination, while Chelsea are in the market for a "marquee signing".

Ibrahimovic has struggled to win over the fans at the Nou Camp since his £60 million move last summer. Despite grabbing 21 goals in all competitions, he could be forced out after just one campaign.

Barca Reject Chelsea Bid For Toure

Chelsea have reportedly made a £17million offer for Barcelona misfit Yaya Toure.

According to Catalan Television, the Blues’ bid for the out of favour midfielder was swiftly rejected by Barca, who are holding out for closer to £20million.

The Ivorian’s outspoken agent yesterday distanced his client from a move to Arsenal, saying that ‘there were bigger clubs interested’, so rumours of Chelsea’s offer may come as no shock.

The Premier League champions look set to lose Deco this summer, and with the future of Michael Ballack still not 100% certain, Carlo Ancelotti may see Toure as the ideal younger replacement for the German captain.

Madrid And Chelsea Ready For Tug Of War Over Bayern Star

Real Madrid and Chelsea are ready to battle it out this summer for the signing of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. The talented French international is set to miss the Champions League final on Saturday through injury with reports claiming the enigmatic winger has played his last game for the club, with Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid ready to battle it out for the winger’s signature. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has also shown interest in the winger, however Fergie is unwilling to pay over the odds for the international, while local rivals Manchester City are unlikely to be able to tempt the player without the offer of Champions League football.

The Frenchman has been embroiled in scandal of late having been romantically linked with an under-age vice girl, who he admitted to having paid for sexual services with when the girl was 17-years-old. The 27-year-old is ready to start a new page in life and is aware of the interest from West London club Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid. The prospect of linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and co at the Bernabeu does excite the Frenchman, however the a move to Premier League double winner Chelsea is also a viable alternative, with the Blues having courted the player under Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luis Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea are looking at strengthening their forward line with owner Roman Ambramovich reportedly eager to bring in one big name transfer, with the blues being linked with moves for Kaka, Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato and Luis Suarez in recent weeks. Carlo Ancelotti could lose Joe Cole and Michael Ballack on free transfers with the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Paulo Ferreira, and Juliano Belletti all expected to leave the club this summer.

However, while Chelsea are looking to spend this summer Real Madrid are eager to strengthen their title tilt next term and the Madrid Chiefs have made Ribery their number 1 target according to reports in Spain. Sports bookmaker SKY BET have cut the odds on the Galacticos making them the favorites, however Chelsea are a close second setting the scene for a two – tug of war between the two clubs for the talented Frenchman’s signature.

Chelsea Set To Move For Promising Rennes Midfielder Sylvain Marveaux

Chelsea are set to move for rising French star Sylvain Marveaux, according to Ouest France.

The 23 year-old shone for Rennes last season and helped himself to 10 goals and seven assists from attacking midfield. This form has reportedly led the Blues France-based scout Guy Hillon to recommend the player to manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Marveaux is supposedly ready to travel to London next week to meet the club's hierarchy and discuss personal terms about the move.

Lampard Not For Sale, Says Chelsea Boss

There is no danger of Frank Lampard defecting to Real Madrid or anywhere else this summer, according to Carlo Ancelotti.

The Chelsea boss has quickly appreciated the importance of the midfielder to his team's fortunes and also the bond the player has with the club.

"This is a joke," said the Italian of suggestions Lampard might be tempted by a different challenge next season.

"Lampard will stay here. When I started last season, there was a problem with John Terry for Manchester City no? Every time I said 'No, John Terry will stay here because he's important and I don't want to do the same with Frank Lampard. He will stay here.
"I know him very well. I know how he is feeling with this club, with his team-mates and how he is important for the supporters and it is very difficult for him to think to change.

"He is very important to us. There are not other players who can score 27 goals in a season."

Ballack: Chelsea Is My First Choice

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack insists he's eager to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Ballack's contract with the Premier League champions runs out in the summer but the 33-year-old remains confident his future will be resolved in the next few weeks.

"Chelsea are absolutely my first option," he told Germany's Bild newspaper.

"We are in contact with the club. The coach first of all wants to discuss things internally and then he will approach the players in a week."

Meanwhile the Germany captain insists his international career is not over, despite being forced to miss the World Cup due to injury.

Ballack picked up an ankle injury in the FA Cup final after being fouled by Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng and has been told he will not be able to play again for at least two months.

That diagnosis ruled him out of the World Cup, but it will not bring his international career to an end at the age of 33.

"I won't let my international career come to an end because of a foul like this," he said.

"I never said that I would retire after the World Cup. I want to continue playing at the highest level and I will consider things in calm over the next few weeks."

Ballack remains angry and upset about the manner at which possibly his last chance to become world champion was ended by a reckless foul.

"I gave everything for the goal of South Africa and now the World Cup has been taken away from me in a brutal way," he said.

While Ballack considers his own future, the national team coach Joachim Low is pondering not only who should take Ballack's place in his team, but also who should wear the captain's armband.

Ballack, who has flown to Germany's training camp in Sicily "to be part of the family" and "to help me come to terms with this blow quicker", had a few words of advice for the coach.

"Schweini [Bastian Schweinsteiger] has got to do it now and take on more responsibility," he said.

"He is self-confident and has the class. I don't see anybody else who shows such a presence and sets the tone like him.

"As for the captain, I don't want to add to the speculation - it is hard enough for the coach.

"There are (Philipp) Lahm, Schweini and (Miroslav) Klose.

"Miro has had an unfortunate season, but he has a high standing in the national team. His experience is important.

"And, being captain could give him a boost."

Boateng Blasts Ballack Offence

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has hit back at accusations that he intentionally injured Michael Ballack in last Saturday's FA Cup final, saying the Germany captain was the chief offender for an earlier slap.

A dangerous tackle by Boateng saw Ballack's dreams of lifting the World Cup as Germany captain shattered, something for which the Ghana international later apologised.

But Boateng believes his tackle was nowhere near as bad as the slap he received from Ballack earlier in the game.

"There is my foul on the one hand and his slap on the other, and I think that violent conduct is far worse than a foul," he told Germany's Sport Bild magazine.

"Ballack really does surprise me. He complains for weeks when (Lukas) Podolski slaps him and yet he does it himself.

"He is no better than Podolski. What kind of behaviour is that?"

Boateng has also criticised Germany coach Joachim Low for showing mercy to his captain after he clashed with Podolski during the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Wales in April 2009 while saying his foul on Ballack at the weekend should have been sanctioned with a red card.

"When I hear that, I can see that he has two different ways of seeing things," added Boateng.

"Can his captain slap whomever he wants? That was clearly violent conduct.

"If I had done that, I would have been banned for years. That is why I left the Germany set-up to represent Ghana."

Boateng switched allegiances earlier this year after realising he was unlikely to break into the senior Germany squad despite coming through the youth ranks from under-15 to under-21 level.

He is due to come up against Germany in the World Cup this summer when the two nations clash in their final group game in Johannesburg on June 23.

Mourinho: No One Beat Chelsea And Barcelona Like Inter

Jose Mourinho, speaking to the press before the Bayern Munich v Inter Milan Champions League final.

On the importance of the game:

“This game is the most important in the world. It is even bigger than the World Cup because the teams in it are at a higher level than national teams, who can’t buy the best players. If you hold it to be important, you have to transmit that to the players.”

On Inter’s tactics in the Champions League:

“I think that this season I haven’t seen a match like the one between Inter and Barcelona at the San Siro. I haven’t seen a team play the way we did. We attacked aggressively against the champions of Europe. We scored three goals against the champions of Europe.

We won the tie in Barcelona, but everyone talks about Barcelona winning and says we parked the bus in front of the goal. We didn’t park the bus, we parked the airplane and we did it for two reasons. One, because we only had 10 men and two, because we beat them 3-1 at San Siro, not by parking the bus, or the boat or the airplane, but by smashing them at the San Siro.

I haven’t seen anyone play the way we did against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea isn’t a small team, it is the champion of England and no one plays like that at Stamford Bridge. Only we have played two games of the level we did against Chelsea and against Barcelona.”

On Real Madrid:

“It’s not a problem of contract or money and that makes me slightly embarrassed because of what I earn considering the (world economic) crisis there is. It’s a problem of personal satisfaction, to feel respected or not in a football nation where I have had so many problems.

It’s not true that I’m the Real coach. After the final, I want to think about my future. Obviously, Inter cannot do anything more to make me feel happy and feel important. The players are fantastic, so are the fans and everyone at the club. The result of Saturday’s game means nothing.

My successor? The club chose me and chose well. At this time, I am the Inter coach. I have a contract until 2012 or 2013, I don’t remember.”

Mourinho to Real Madrid? Really?

It’s a story that’s been doing the rounds for months (if not years), and it seems likely to happen now, what with Mourinho fed up with Italy (the feeling seems mutual) and Madrid set to replace Pellegrini. The thing is, Mourinho loves a challenge and right now the challenge at Madrid is to beat the best team in Europe – Barcelona – and it’s a challenge he wouldn’t say no to.

He won’t get the control over the team he craves, but if he gets even one full season at the club he will build a winning system that will endure his departure (see Chelsea and to an extent, Inter). The press won’t love him (they never do until he leaves), the fans won’t always be with him but if he can win over the players and deliver on his (expected) promise to beat Barcelona, he’ll get his chance.

Drogba: I Will Win Another Golden Boot In The World Cup

Didier Drogba plans to take the World Cup by storm – and add another Golden Boot to his collection this summer.

The Chelsea striker has already won one award for banging in 29 goals to finish top scorer in the Premier League this season.

But he can’t wait to carry his goalscoring heroics over into the finals as the Ivory Coast go for glory in South Africa.

Drogba told Match of the Day magazine, on sale now: “Can I be top scorer at the World Cup? I really hope so. If we can get through the group stages, I think we have a very strong chance.

“It’s important that we do well as a nation but if I can win the World Cup Golden Boot as well, it would be amazing.”

The Ivory Coast striker, 32, is in the form of his life.

But his team have been drawn in a tough group with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea.

Fabio Capello: Joe Cole Has The X Factor

Fabio Capello believes Joe Cole is his maverick man with the X Factor. And that is the reason he is going to the World Cup.

Cole has already had one good week as Chelsea have landed the Double with their FA Cup triumph added to their first Premier League title in four years.

But with the celebrations over, Cole will now be champing at the bit to get to Austria and start preparing for South Africa.

The 28-year-old has become incredibly frustrated recently at having to watch so many of Chelsea’s games from the bench.

But Capello will now hand Cole the chance to make up for that with a place in his final 23.

Cole has always offered something different and the England manager knows that.

After his arrival as the first foreign England boss in early 2001, Sven Goran Eriksson revealed that it was Cole who he thought was the country’s greatest talent – Wayne Rooney was only 15 at the time.

He was drooling over the prospect of the star quality that Cole promised, and that has not just disappeared.

What makes Cole stand out from the other players he is competing against for a place in South Africa is his technical ability.

Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright Phillips are speed kings.

They suit the modern-day tactic of counter-attacking football which will no doubt dominate the tournament this summer.

They frighten teams with their raw pace, but the problem is that they are not always in control of the ball. Cole is.

Just like David Beckham, who defied critics to remain an important part of Capello’s strategy, Cole knows how to retain the ball. And at international level that is crucial.

Giving the ball away is a sin which England have paid for time and again in the past, but Cole has never been guilty of that.

Rooney has dominated the headlines for England since making his breakthrough as the youngest ever player to pull on a Three Lions shirt at the time he was handed his debut.

But the Manchester United striker has always maintained that it is Joe Cole who is the cleverest player in the squad.

And he emphasised that this season when he scored that brilliant goal at Old Trafford to help sink United.

It was a moment of brilliance, and one Walcott, Lennon and Wright-Phillips, as well as the highly-rated Adam Johnson, would struggle to produce.

He flicked the ball between his legs as a cross came in from the right and sparked the victory which won Chelsea the title.

It is hardly a one-off. Just look at the goal he scored in the last World Cup against Sweden when he hit a brilliant volley from outside the area.

Capello pointed out recently that Cole is not quite the ‘player he remembered’. But Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has been crucial in convincing Capello that the midfielder is not far off being back to his best.

England do not have many players who are gifted enough to drop off the main striker and help run the game.

Rooney is obviously that man for England and the world-class player that Capello will be relying on to spearhead the country’s challenge.

But if anything did happen to Rooney, a suspension or a slight injury, then Cole could be the man to step into his place.

He loves playing centrally and has the vision to pull off that role. He also has the experience.

It is no coincidence that Capello has spent so much time trying to persuade Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher to come out of international retirement. He has succeeded with Carra and failed with Scholes, but it is their experience which speak volumes, even if their presence may upset some of the other players.

Cole is the same. He has 53 caps to his name and has been around the England scene for years.

He has the big-game mentality and just as important an incredible hunger and desire.

Having missed so much football due to his cruciate injury, the last set of fitness tests at Chelsea showed that Cole was the best in his club at the moment.

He is also out of contract this summer and while his future is a concern for him, he has always just loved playing football.

He may stick with Chelsea or could move on to either Manchester United or City – who knows?

But one thing is for sure, if Capello hands him his chance, it is unlikely Cole will do anything to waste it – which can only be good news for England.

Joe Cole To Go To The World Cup Afrer Ancelotti Persuades Capello

Joe Cole will go to the World Cup after Fabio Capello was persuaded by Carlo Ancelotti to take him to South Africa.

England manager Capello had lengthy talks with the Chelsea boss at the end of the season.

And Ancelotti has assured his fellow Italian that Cole is in tip-top form. The Chelsea midfielder was left out of the squad for March’s friendly with Egypt and it looked like he would be a major casualty this summer.

But Capello named him in his 30-man training squad, and he is a certainty to avoid the painful chop next week when the England manager names his final 23 for the tournament.

The only way the 28-year-old will miss out is if he somehow plays himself out of the squad in training and the next two friendlies. But Cole is in peak condition after missing so much of the season with injury, and struggling to make the Chelsea team.

Capello still believes that Cole offers him something different from the other wide men in the squad.

He is battling for a World Cup place alongside fellow wingers Theo Walcott, Adam Johnson, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon.

Cole last played for England back in 2008 which was before he injured his cruciate ligament.

He is among England’s senior experienced players having already won 53 caps, and was one of their star performers at the last World Cup.

Cole has had a tough season as contract talks have broken down with Chelsea, and he can now leave Stamford Bridge on a free contract.

But he will be delighted by the news that he figures so highly in Capello’s plans, and that Ancelotti has spoken up for him.

England were at their high-altitude Austrian training camp yesterday working with oxygen masks in a bid to get them used to conditions in South Africa.

Michael Ballack Says His Germany Career Will Continue

Germany captain Michael Ballack insists he will play international football again despite being forced to miss the World Cup with an ankle injury.

The Chelsea midfielder was injured in the FA Cup final in a tackle from Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng, who has apologised for the incident.

"I won't let my international career come to an end because of a foul like this," the 33-year-old Ballack said.

"I will consider things in calm over the next few weeks."

Ballack, who has made 98 appearances for his country and played in the last two World Cups, has to overcome two damaged ligaments and is expected to resume training in eight weeks.

With Germany's first match on 13 June, the Chelsea star now has to come to terms with watching the World Cup finals from the sidelines.

"I gave everything for the goal of South Africa and now the World Cup has been taken away from me in a brutal way," added Ballack.

"It is bitter to be hacked down in such a way in the last game of the season. It hurts."

Ballack limped out of the FA Cup final on Saturday - a game that Chelsea won 1-0 - after 25 minutes following the rash challenge by Boateng, who was born in Berlin to a Ghanaian father and a German mother.

The Pompey midfielder, who could be in the Ghana side to face Germany in Group D in South Africa, insisted on Tuesday his tackle had not been intentional and he was sorry.

"I just came in too late and made full contact," he told Sport Bild online. "It looks pretty stupid."

German fans have vented their anger on dozens of websites, calling Boateng 'public enemy number one' and setting up chat rooms called '82 million against Boateng' or 'Anti-Boateng Group'.

Boateng's half-brother Jerome is in the preliminary Germany squad for the tournament which takes place between 11 June and 11 July.

Roman Abramovich Still Owed £726m Under Complex Chelsea Structure

When Chelsea published their accounts for 2008-09 earlier this year, the club announced that its owner, the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, had written off his mammoth £726m loan to the club, and converted it into shares.

But is not quite as clear-cut as that. Abramovich channeled his loans to the club, since taking it over in 2003 and wanting to spend its way to trophies, via a holding company, Chelsea Limited. He loaned money to Chelsea Limited, who then loaned it on to Chelsea FC plc, which runs the club.

It is true that the loans from the holding company to Chelsea FC plc were fully converted to shares last year. However Abramovich's loan to Chelsea Limited, the holding company which owns Chelsea FC plc, was not. That loan remains owing; in fact it increased from £701m, because Abramovich loaned another £25m in a year when Chelsea's extravagant spending, and the dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari and his coaching team, produced losses of £47m.

The accounts of Chelsea Limited (whose name was changed during the year to Fordstam Limited), show that loan still outstanding: £726m, owed to Abramovich.

A spokesman for the club confirmed that yesterday: "Recapitalisation of loans happened at the level of Chelsea FC plc, not the holding company (Fordstam), therefore making the football club debt free."

That is true. But Fordstam owns the football club company, and owes Abramovich £726m. The loan is interest free, but it is repayable if Abramovich gives 18 months' notice. The Russian could still demand the money back some day, either if the club is making a profit, or if he were to sell it. He has not, in fact, written off the huge loans he has made on his Chelsea adventure.

John Terry: Now Chelsea Must Conquer Europe

Chelsea skipper John Terry believes that the time has come for the Blues to establish themselves as a true force on the European stage after Carlo Ancelotti side captured the club's first domestic league and cup double this season.

The Londoners exited this season's Champions League at the last-16 stage after defeat by their former manager Jose Mourinho's Inter, but Terry has revealed that owner Roman Abramovich has made it clear to the players that Europe should be their priority now.

"There is no doubt in Roman's mind and all our minds - we clearly want the Champions League," Terry said, according to The Sun.

"He said we must get it next season, even though he is delighted with the double, and we're determined to do it."

Chelsea were beaten finalists in the tournament in 2008, losing on penalties to Manchester United in the final in Moscow.

Terry feels it is time that the Blues progressed from being 'nearly men' and turned themselves into European Champions.

"We've come so close over the last five or six years and, at times, have been the best team in the competition, yet haven't gone on to win it," the England defender added.

"If we can add the Champions League to that list, the fans, players, management and Roman would be very happy."

Nicolas Anelka Set To Sign New Contract At Chelsea

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is set to sign a new contract with the double winners, according to skysports.com.

The French international's current deal expires in 12 months' time, but the Blues had put talks about a new deal on hold until the end of the season. With the Premier League and FA Cup in the bag, the club has returned to the negotiating table to extend Anelka's stay.

The 31-year old's agent Doug Pingisi has confirmed that discussions have begun and his client looks likely to remain in London

"We are still in talks [about a new deal] and hopefully we will have news soon," Pingisi told Sky Sports.

"He is happy at Chelsea and of course he wants to stay at Chelsea."

Anelka joined Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers in January 2008. He fired in 11 goals to help Carlo Ancelotti's side to the league last season.

Lampard Happy To Take Penalties For England Despite Final Blunder

Frank Lampard has appealed to England manager Fabio Capello to continue to let him take the penalties for the national team, despite missing the target from 12 yards in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The Chelsea midfielder has been England's regular penalty-taker since taking over from David Beckham in 2005, and his record is pretty good. Since then he has scored five penalties and missed one, against Hungary in 2006. He has also taken part in two penalty shoot-outs – he scored against Portugal at Euro 2004 in Lisbon as England lost 6-5 on penalties, but missed against the same opposition at the 2006 World Cup, when England lost at the quarter-final stage 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw.

Lampard went up against his England team-mate David James in the Portsmouth goal late on in Chelsea's 1-0 victory, but pulled his shot well wide of James' right-hand post, hitting the keeper's water bottle. The midfielder said: "It was a disappointing penalty to say the least. I actually changed my mind in the run-up which is a bit of a sin. Once you do that, you are probably going to miss and I did. I've taken quite a few penalties against Jamo [David James] in my time and scored a lot in games and in training and sometimes he saves them."

Normally Lampard is one of the most reliable penalty-takers in the Premier League. He scored ten times from the spot this past season, although he suffered a costly miss in December when Manchester City keeper Shay Given pulled off a save in City's 2-1 victory.

Lampard claimed the Wembley miss might actually work in England's favour, as it will ensure that he guards against complacency in the coming weeks. "That kind of thing makes me address it and look at it. When I go away with England I will work on that kind of stuff. Sometimes you need a little reminder of what you have got to do," he said.

Asked if he expects to take the kicks for England this summer, Lampard replied that at least there will be no Didier Drogba trying to take the ball from him, as happened in Chelsea's final league game against Wigan when the Ivorian was desperate to win the Golden Boot. The Chelsea striker went on to score a hat-trick in that game but not before he had spent much of the first half clearly displeased that he had not been given the opportunity to take the penalty.

Lampard said: "I still hope so. Drogba don't play for England so he can't argue with [me taking the penalties]. No, it would not put me off. I've missed penalties for England, I've missed penalties for Chelsea and it comes with the territory.

"It wouldn't put me off. I'm big enough to stand up. I missed and it will play on my mind a little but it will be completely overshadowed by the fact that we won the game and won the Double.

"Thank God it happened in a game that we went on to win. Hopefully it is out of my system now."

England have a dismal record in penalty shoot-outs in international tournaments. They have been knocked out of five major tournaments on penalties, losing to Portugal in 2004 and 2006, to Germany in 1990 and 1996, and to Argentina at the 1998 World Cup. They have won just one, against Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro '96.

Chelsea Midfielder Deco Agrees Deal To Sign For Fluminense after World Cup

Reports in Brazil this morning claim Chelsea midfielder Deco has agreed a deal with Fluminense to sign after the World Cup in South Africa.

Renato Maurício Prado, a columnist for O Globo, reported the deal following discussions between Deco and Fluminense on Monday.

Deco preferred to concentrate on the World Cup before completing the move, in South Africa he could play against Brazil on June 25 for the Portugal national team.

The 32-year-old central midfielder made 23 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League and Champions League in 2009/2010, scoring two goals.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to bring younger players into his squad next season and the Blues are also eager to get Deco off the wage bill at Stamford Bridge.

Michael Essien Winning World Cup Fitness Race

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is confident of winning his race against time - and a knee injury - to be fit for next month's World Cup.

The Chelsea ace has not kicked a ball for five months since injuring knee ligaments in January.

He is part of Ghana's provisional list and hints that he could play in a friendly before the tournament starts.

"I have to keep working hard to be fit and I can assure you I am doing that," Essien said on Ghanasoccernet.com.

"Once I am fit I hope to feature in at least one trial match before the World Cup starts.

"I haven't played since January as you well know so I will need games before the real thing starts.

"Even if I don't get any trial games, as long I am declared fit by the medical team then I will be in South Africa for sure."

This means he could play in the Black Stars last friendly against Latvia in Milton Keynes on 5 June before the World Cup starts on 11 June.

Despite his optimism, there are fears that he could miss the tournament in South Africa because of his slow recovery from the injury.

Essien's last run-out in a Chelsea shirt was against Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League in December.

Having recovered from his hamstring tear, he then hurt his knee at the Africa Cup of Nations, but that was only expected to keep him out for six weeks.

It was anticipated he would make his Chelsea comeback in the Champions League game against Inter Milan last month, but his knee continued to swell up and he underwent four lots of surgery inside a fortnight.

Essien is central to Ghana's hopes in South Africa as they face Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D.

Kevin Prince-Boateng Apologises To Chelsea Midfielder Michael Ballack

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has issued a public apology to Chelsea star Michael Ballack after his tackle in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley ruled the veteran out of Germany's World Cup squad.

Boateng, who is the half-brother of German international Jerome Boateng but will line up for Group D rivals Ghana at this summer's World Cup, insists that there was no malicious intent in the challenge.

"All I can do is apologise," the Pompey man told Sport Bild.

"I was just too late and I hit him straight on. It looked stupid. I apologized to him twice on the field and now for a third time.

"I am sorry. It was not intentional."

Chelsea Step Aside To Leave Manchester United And Manchester City To Battle For James Milner's Signature

Manchester United and Manchester City are locked in a cross-town race to seal the £24 million signing of Aston Villa midfielder James Milner, according to the Daily Star.

The report states the bitter rivals have been left alone to scrap for the England international's signature after Chelsea pulled out of the race. City are already rumoured to have bid £20 million.

Villa chairman Randy Lerner has already dismissed any talk of a move and has insisted the Midlanders are determined to keep hold of the prospect. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last term as his 12 goals in all competitions saw him become an England squad regular and the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side can offer Champions League football, while Roberto Mancini's charges only qualified for the Europa Cup along with Villa. However, their superior financial power could still tip the balance in the favour of the Blue half of Manchester.

Chelsea Track Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun To Replace Outgoing Joe Cole

Chelsea appear resigned to losing Joe Cole in the summer but are lining up Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun as a replacement, according to a report by ESPNsoccernet.

Cole has not yet come to an agreement with the Blues over a new deal, with his current contract set to expire, and the Israeli has been lined up to fill the Cole-shaped hole in at Stamford Bridge next season.

A Stamford Bridge insider told Soccernet: "There is no doubt that Yossi Benayoun is highly thought of at the club, and it wouldn't surprise me if he came to Chelsea."

Cole recently said he was not thinking about his Chelsea future until after the World Cup, putting his England chances ahead of any new deal in west London, but it appears the Blues are one step ahead with their interest in Benayoun.

After a season mostly blighted by injury it's no surprise Cole is way down the Castrol Rankings. He comes in at No.1126, making him only the 16th best Chelsea player in the listings.

Michael Ballack Considering Legal Action Against Kevin-Prince Boateng

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng might have offered his apologies to Chelsea's Michael Ballack for his reckless challenge during the FA Cup final, but that's clearly not enough to satisfy Michael Becker, the German international's agent.

"Every spectator has seen what Boateng did. That was clearly a foul with the intention to hurt Ballack. We are considering taking legal action," said Becker to Bild.

"We are thinking about taking the case to civil court, but criminal punishment is also an option. You can't just intentionally break the rules to hurt your opponent. It's not like a football field is a place where the law doesn't count, unlike what Boateng thinks."

Ballack's agent claims that the influential midfielder could miss out on about €1 million on income from sponsors and bonuses due to his two-month absence as a result of Boateng's reckless tackle.

Lampard: Negatives Into Positives

Frank Lampard believes our exit from the Champions League could have been the turning point for our Double-winning season.

After Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge left the Blues without a place in Europe, many insisted the side would finish the campaign trophy-less.

But Lampard feels it was the ignition to our season's final few months, as we knuckled down in the business end of the campaign.

'Looking back at that moment, it is probably one of those negatives you turn into a positive,' explained Lampard.

'Maybe if we hadn't lost that game we wouldn't have gone on to win the League.

'And we set the bench mark doing it. We won the League and having not done it for three years now we want to go away, come back and do it again.'

With the Double achieved, there was another point Lampard was keen to make as he looked back on such a successful season.

Carlo Ancelotti's first foray into English football has produced phenomenal results, which are now for all to see in our trophy cabinet.

Any manager who produces such an historic outcome during his first season at a club will obviously be revered and respected in their profession.

But the Italian was overlooked for Manager of the Year, an accolade that instead fell to Harry Redknapp, another manager who moved to a new club but one who had years of experience in the Barclays Premier League.

Lampard feels the situation could have been different: 'People always say Chelsea is a great squad with great players and they expect us to do well.

'That's why the likes of Harry Redknapp win Manager of the Year because people don't quite expect them to do so well but you can't take anything away from Ancelotti what he has done.

'He's up there with the best of the year. He has come here, to a foreign country, he came virtually alone, with only one person from Italy and he has done all this.

'You have to hold your hands up and say it's a success and a job well done. No one can question what we've done this year.'

Now the challenge is for a Chelsea side, who will have seen many of our stars out on international duty during the World Cup, to return fully vitalised for the 2010/11 campaign.

'You want to embrace what you have done at the club and you want to start again,' said Lampard.

'The players have to come back energised, with the same mentality, want to win again, and that's what separates the great teams from the good teams.'

But for now Lampard and his England teammates are concentrating solely on the world's biggest competition in South Africa this summer. And after such a fantastic run-in with the Blues over the last couple of months, Lampard is ready for anything.

'I feel fresh, I feel confident and in the last few months, with the team I am playing with, I have been creating a lot of chances.

'I am seeing a lot of spaces at the moment and I am not scared to take things on, so let's just hope it carries on for the next month or so.

'The goals have been coming thick and fast and I feel very confident, so I will take that mindset into the World Cup.

'Then there's Ashley Cole, who has been out but he's back and firing, John Terry is John Terry, determined to play well, and hopefully Joe Cole's lack of minutes will be a good thing because he will be fresh.'

Carlo Ancelotti Eyes 10-Year Stay At Chelsea

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti last night praised his side’s Double glory and told supporters he intends to stay for a decade.

The Italian boss spent eight years at AC Milan, and has now stated he plans to better that at Stamford Bridge. In his first season in England, he lifted the Premier League and FA Cup double for the first time in Chelsea's history.

Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti said: "I would be happy to sign a new contract here.

“After this first season if they asked me how long I want to stay here I would say maybe 10 years. That wouldn’t be bad, especially if every season is like this season.

“I think stability is important. If we can work together for a long time it’s better to have stability for the club.

“It’s also important for the manager, because it’s not easy if you’re changing club every year.”

During Roman Abramovich's time in charge at Chelsea, Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luis Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink have all bossed the club.

New chief executive Ron Gourlay has admitted the Blues want to see an end to the managerial revolving doors. There are currently no plans to offer Ancelotti a new contract just 12 months into his three-year deal, however.

John Terry Keen For Joe Cole To Stay At Stamford Bridge Next Season

Chelsea captain John Terry has urged the club to extend midfielder Joe Cole’s contract beyond the end of this season.

The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer and looks set to leave the club on a free transfer, with Manchester United and Manchester City rumoured to be interested in the England international.

Cole refused to comment on his future after Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup final win over Portsmouth, but Terry insists everybody at Stamford Bridge wants him to stay.

"Nobody wants Joe Cole to leave, we all want him to stay and we're confident he will do," Terry told Sky Sports.

Chelsea’s FA Cup final win secured the club’s first ever double, having already won the Premier League, and Terry is delighted to have made history this season.

He added: "[The Champions League] is the one that's eluded us in the last few years so that's the big target.

"We know that Roman [Abramovich] wants that, we know the players want that. This is just a taste of that, if we won that it would put us right up there with the greats.

"But we said yesterday in the dressing room, we'll take the double over the Champions League all day long.

"It's never been done in the club's history and we're so proud that this group of players, for generations and generations, is never going to be forgotten."

Michael Ballack Waits On Chelsea Talks About New Contract

Michael Ballack has admitted no talks are planned with Chelsea to sign a new contract, although he believes Carlo Ancelotti wants to keep him at the club.

The German international's deal expires at the end of June and discussions over an extension had been delayed until the season was over. Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 has been linked with a free transfer swoop for him.

Ballack joined from Bayern Munich in 2006 and lifted his first Premier League title this month. Speaking to reporters, the midfielder said he believed Ancelotti was keen to re-sign him but wasn't sure of the rest of the Blues hierarchy’s intentions.

"There are no plans for talks yet, but I want to play for as long as possible at the highest level," said Ballack.

"I feel fit and I have targets in my mind - maybe two years [more]. But we have to wait and see.

"Chelsea is one of my first options, of course. I know he (Ancelotti) wants to keep me.

"I have a great relationship with him and he is really confident in me and my ability.

"But sometimes the club and the coach can have different ideas, I don't know. But it's time to talk about [it]."

Malouda - Anelka Keen To Stay

Florent Malouda believes Nicolas Anelka would have no hesitation in signing a new contract at Chelsea.

The French forward is yet to pen an extension to his current terms, fuelling speculation that he could be on the move this summer.

The 31-year-old has spent the last two seasons at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues to two FA Cup triumphs and a Premier League title.

Chelsea insist they are keen to keep Anelka on board and talks regarding a new contract remain ongoing.

Malouda feels it is only a matter of time before an agreement is reached, with the tricky winger of the opinion that his fellow countryman has no desire to move on.

"I know that he wishes to stay and extend his contract," said Malouda.

"Now it's just a straight discussion between him and the club but I know there have been discussions between them.

"Things are very good for him. During the transfer window there is always speculation but there is no doubt."

Malouda sees no reason why any player would want to leave Chelsea right now, with the Blues having wrapped up a domestic Double on Saturday when they edged out Portsmouth in the FA Cup final.

The aim now is to build on that success next season, with a first UEFA Champions League crown towards the top of their list of priorities.

"In a team like Chelsea you want to win everything," said Malouda.

"Our ambition has to grow and we have to be regularly on top of the league. If you stay too relaxed that's when you start to fall down.

"We will come back with more appetite and next year we should try to add something.

"We have the quality to do that, you just have to see the amount of goals we scored, but we may have to be more consistent. There were moments where we dropped points.

"I don't know how many changes are required, that's not my role. The manager has a lot of experience and knows what was missing from us this season and what will bring something more."

Real Madrid Warned Off Lampard

Real Madrid have been warned off trying to sign Frank Lampard by Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports in today's papers.

The Chelsea star is known to be a favourite of former Blues boss Jose Mourinho who is widely expected to take over as Real boss this summer.

Mourinho is rumoured to have told Real president Florentino Perez to bring Lampard to the Bernabeu ready for next season.

But Stamford Bridge boss Ancelotti has laughed off the rumours. He said: "Lampard to Real Madrid? This is a joke because Lampard will stay here.

"When I started last season there was a problem with John Terry and Manchester City.

"Every time I said 'no, John Terry will stay here because he is important'.

"I don't want to do the same with Frank Lampard. He will stay here.

"There is no danger of Frank going because I know how he feels about this club, with these players, how important he is for the supporters."

John Terry Targets The Treble Next Season

John Terry has set his sights on winning the treble next season - after taking a massive swipe at the Wembley pitch.

Terry says Chelsea will be determined to win the Champions League as well as repeating this season's Premier League and FA Cup Double next year.

But Terry slammed the Wembley pitch and says it must be improved as next year's Champions League final will be played there as he also urged the Football Association to stop holding concerts and start putting football first.

Chelsea captain Terry said: "The Champions League next year is here - that would be a great way to end the year. I only hope the pitch is all right - at least they have got enough time.

"It probably ruined the game as a spectacle. It is not the groundsman's fault - there are just too many events on the field of play. The FA need to say either this is England's football stadium or its an event stadium.

"Portsmouth and ourselves have worked so hard to get here and it was not good enough. There was no water on the surface, which both teams asked for, before the game. It was patchy. It was dry and it was probably too slow for the people watching.

"Now we come back here with England and we want home advantage to count. It needs to be addressed and I am sure it will be."

Mirror Sport revealed on Saturday both teams were unhappy at the state of the pitch after their training session at Wembley the day before.

But Chelsea overcame the problems with the pitch to win the FA Cup and repeat their first ever double - and Terry has immediately insisted that is the bare minimum they want to achieve next season.

Terry firmly believes Carlo Ancelotti can sweep the board next season and win the lot and also says their momentum can help England go into the World Cup full of confidence.

Terry added: "The Double really does put us up there as a football club. There is no doubt about it - everybody knows the importance of the Champions League.

"It is something we want. But if you had offered me the Double at the start of the season, I would have bitten your hand off.

"It is hard to set new targets - the minimum next year now is the Premier League and the FA Cup. If we can add the Champions League to that and the Carling Cup, it would be great.

"But the minimum is the Premier League and the FA Cup. Everyone is saying that, including the manager. These are our trophies and we want to keep them.

"We have had a taste of winning the FA Cup and the Premier League and not been able to retain it and get our hands back on it the following season. Now it would be a great way to end next year as well.

"It would great if we could carry this momentum into the England camp. We are on a high. We are buzzing. We are fit.

"We have got a couple of days off but we go there and look forward to training and getting back on the training field for the World Cup."

Chelsea Eye Ashley Cole Swap Deal For Kaka

Real Madrid may be tempted into loaning Kaka to Chelsea - only if Ashley Cole goes the other way.

According to ItalPress, the Spanish giants may be warming to the idea of off-loading their £56million star if they can secure a player in return, and with a left-back high on their radar, Cole would be the obvious make-weight in any deal.

The 29-year-old may also feel like it’s the right time to join the Galactico ranks, after personal problems and media scandal have dogged his last season with the Blues.

However, it's unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti will want to enter into any kind of deal involving his full-back, and will likely try a straight-cash swoop in a bid to lure the Brazilian international.

Chelsea Set To Make Record Bid For Torres

Fernando Torres will be the subject of a world record bid from Chelsea within days.

The total package of transfer fee and salary will make Torres a staggering £130 million investment. And Soccernet has been informed that owner Roman Abramovich is personally taking control of the project to bring the Liverpool striker to Chelsea.

Torres has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid for some time but the Blues will be first to make a concrete offer.

Abramovich is ready to release the cash following a Premier League and FA Cup double this season, but he is also acutely aware he could cut an alternative deal with Liverpool in need of new players.

Chelsea are willing to offer three players in part exchange, as an option to smooth through the Torres transfer.

Abramovich is also prepared to match City's expected offer to Torres of £200,000-a-week, which is being mooted via the middle men now authorized to try and clinch the deal.

An insider told Soccernet: "Torres is the best, and Roman wants the best. He has identified Torres as the player who can help him bring the Champions League to Stamford Bridge.

"Torres can go to City for just as much money perhaps even more, but it's clear that Chelsea offer far more in terms of a crack at the Champions League whereas City aren't even in it."

Chelsea are drawing up a list of players to offer to Liverpool in part exchange for Torres that could take the overall transfer value above the £80 million world record Real Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The deal could be structured like this; pick any three players from a specified list plus £40 million cash up front for Torres. That offer, according to Soccernet sources, will be made well ahead of the World Cup finals in South Africa, and most likely early next week.

With the three players averaging around £15 million each, the total valuation of the Torres offer would be in excess of the Ronaldo fee.

Abramovich is personally spearheading the quest to land Torres, and his manager Carlo Ancelotti will consider which players to use as bait to tempt Liverpool: Jose Bosingwa, Nicolas Anelka, Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Salomon Kalou and Paulo Ferreira.

Anelka is the one player the Italian coach might be reluctant to offer up and, of course, the Frenchman might not wish to return to Anfield - although he has expressed regret at failing to win a permanent move to the club after spending a loan spell on Merseyside.

Manchester City are also in a position to offer Liverpool a shopping list of swap players, as well as a cash payment in excess of Chelsea's, but the prospect of joining the Double winners and a club intent on landing the Champions League would be far more appealing.

Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are battling with losses of £54.9 million, a net debt of £351 million, no Champions League football and with new chairman Martin Broughton an appointee of the club's bank RBS, a £40 million cash-plus-players bid for their star asset will clearly be accepted.

Ironically, Broughton is a Chelsea season ticket holder, and any decision to sell would inevitably make him unpopular at Anfield.

Such is the ground work being prepared at the Bridge for the Torres bid, that star striker Didier Drogba is already ready to welcome him to the club.

"Of course I would welcome Torres," Drogba said last week. "Every time a new player comes here, it makes the club bigger and gives us a lot of strength. If there is a chance for him to come here, he will be welcome, because any help is welcome.''

Former Chelsea Defender Graeme Le Saux Praises Double-winning Manager Carlo Ancelotti

Former Chelsea defender Graeme Le Saux has hailed the management style of Carlo Ancelotti after leading the Blues to the double in his first season at the club.

Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup final win over Portsmouth on Saturday secured the Blues’ first league and cup double in their history, after they pipped Manchester United to the Premier League title for the first time in four years a week earlier.

After starting the season playing a diamond formation, Ancelotti reverted back to 4-3-3 midway through the campaign and Le Saux, who is now a club ambassador, believes the way the Italian allows his players to play with freedom is the key to his success.

"While money has a huge influence on who you can buy and what infrastructure you can put in, ultimately you still have to have the right leader, right attitude from the players and right values within the dressing room," Le Saux told the Press Association.

"There was a lot of uncertainty since Jose Mourinho left, and from that point of view, Ancelotti has come in and really got the spirit right.

"Dealing with all of those individual characters is hard; to get them all to play for the common good is a tough job.

"To do that in his first year and to win the first double in the club's history is a huge achievement.

"Having spent time around the players and the training ground, seeing how they are with him and his staff, there is a really relaxed, but focused attitude.

"There is calmness about him, he is very assured as a coach.

"The players feel like they have a freedom to express themselves and that is what players and the fans want."

Chelsea Defender Ashley Cole Becomes The Most Decorated Player In FA Cup History After Winning Tournament For A Record Sixth Time

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole ended a tumultuous season by becoming the most victorious player in the history of the FA Cup after the Blues defeated Portsmouth in the final on Saturday.

Less than a week after clinching the Premier League title, Chelsea completed the Double after a 1-0 win over Pompey at Wembley.

Cole became the first player in the 120 years in which the FA Cup has been played to lift the trophy six times.

The England international has had a tough time on and off the pitch this season, splitting with wife Cheryl Cole and missing some time with a broken ankle.

Fellow defender John Terry hailed Cole’s contribution this season and believes that the left-back is a crucial player for both Chelsea and England.

“His record in the Cup is incredible and he has been unbelievable this year,” Terry told the Daily Mail.

“Ashley was unfortunate with his injury and was probably our best player before that. He has come back as fit as ever and raring to go, which is a massive boost for us and England.”

Cole has played in seven Cup finals with the Blues and Arsenal and his sixth FA Cup win helped him move ahead of Charles Wollaston, Arthur Kinnaird and James Forrest as the most successful player in the history of the tournament.

Didier Drogba Hails Best Chelsea Season After Clinching FA Cup

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has declared this season to be his best at the club after his side lifted the FA Cup, defeating Portsmouth 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

The Golden Boot winner expressed his desire to continue winning silverware with Chelsea in the future and believes this season was the best of his career.

"Yeah this is the best one because we achieved so many things together as a team and after that trophies came, but really it is because as a team we were so good, I had a chance to be Golden Boot, to play well like I am," Drogba told Sky Sports News.

"It's something very important for the team and me as well, today I have the chance again to score in that stadium again and I'm really happy because we won the double and this is something big in England and I'm happy to be a part of it.

"To be the first team to have done that for Chelsea is unbelievable.

"We knew it was going to be hard, we don't really think all the chances we created would hit the post or the crossbar but that's part of the game - we knew it was going to be hard."

Drogba also joined the queue of managers and players who voiced their dissatisfaction with the Wembley pitch.

He added: "Without water on the pitch I think it was difficult. The pitch was dry and to be honest I think it was better against Aston Villa."

The Ivory Coast international echoed the sentiments of his Chelsea team-mates John Terry and Frank Lampard in suggesting domestic success is the perfect preparation for the World Cup.

He continued: "It's the best way to go to the World Cup and be confident and work hard - you know it's better to work with a big smile on the face than to be down, and I'm happy to go there."

Buck: Abramovich Going Nowhere

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck today insisted that Roman Abramovich will remain at Chelsea "indefinitely".

The London club completed a league and cup double on Saturday thanks to Didier Drogba's goal in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth at Wembley.

Buck told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek program that the Chelsea owner was committed to the club.

"He was a very happy man on Saturday night," he said. "I see him here indefinitely. He has never, ever given us any indication that he is anything other than a long term Chelsea fan."

According to Buck, any suggestions that Abramovich would sell Chelsea are "totally inaccurate" and "not something that goes through his head".

Buck also revealed that three or four players would be leaving the club in the summer, with three or four new signings to replace them.

He would not be drawn on specific players who could leave the club, such as Joe Cole. But he said the goals and targets were to "keep winning trophies in an efficient business-like manner".

Chelsea Midfielder Ballack Limps Out Of Final A Month Before World Cup

Chelsea’s Michael Ballack limped out of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Portsmouth at Wembley, less than a month before the World Cup.

The 33-year-old was upended by a late tackle from Portsmouth’s Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was booked on 35 minutes.

Germany captain Ballack managed to play on for a few minutes after receiving treatment but was then replaced by Juliano Belletti. Chelsea went on to win the game 1-0 through Didier Drogba’s free-kick.

Germany open their World Cup campaign against Australia on 13 June.

Ballack, who has won 98 international caps, was named in Germany's preliminary squad on 7 May.

He is out of contract at Chelsea at the end of the season and could perhaps have played his last game for the club. German club Schalke have already stated their interest in signing Ballack.

Roman Rewards Ancelotti With Funds For Kaka

Roman Abramovich will reward Double-winning boss Carlo Ancelotti by backing a sensational move for Kaka.

Ancelotti is a huge admirer of the Brazilian, who last year turned down a move to Manchester City.

Instead, Kaka headed to Real Madrid in a £56million switch from AC Milan but his first season in La Liga has been a troubled one.

He has been dogged by injury and has had to angrily deny rumours that he was more concerned about being fit for the World Cup than for Real Madrid's domestic campaign.

Should Real not leapfrog above Barcelona in the last round of fixtures today - and that looks hugely unlikely - they will end the season trophyless.

And that will lead to yet more major upheaval at the Bernabeu with Jose Mourinho almost certain to replace Manuel Pellegrini and bring with him a long list of transfer targets.

That air of uncertainty is a factor that will give Ancelotti encouragement in a pursuit of Kaka.

The pair had a very successful, six-year relationship and won the Champions League together in 2007.

And as he feels the heat in the pressure-cooker atmosphere that surrounds everything at Real, Kaka could be tempted to work with Ancelotti again in the relatively tranquil surroundings at Stamford Bridge.

While Cristiano Ronaldo has been a success, Kaka has only appeared sporadically - mainly due to a troublesome thigh injury.

There is a growing suspicion there might not be room for both galacticos in Madrid.

Kaka is only one season into a six-year deal that is worth around £170,000 to the former World Player of the Year.

The wage issue would not be a problem for Abramovich and Chelsea but they might baulk at giving Real anywhere near the £56million the Spanish club handed over to Milan.

In two or three years' time, Kaka's sell-on value will be greatly reduced and Chelsea would probably be willing to go up only to around the £40million mark.

Cheekily, they might even propose some type of loan deal, where they pay Real rent for the player and his extravagant wages.

Abramovich has sanctioned a belt-tightening exercise at the Bridge and that might be reflected in upcoming contract negotiations with the likes of Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka.

And the Russian owner is hopeful that talent from the academy will push through in the next couple of seasons.

But after the outstanding domestic season, he still wants Chelsea to crack the Champions League and knows he needs to back Ancelotti and give him the financial tools to compete with the superpowers in the transfer market.

Chelsea Braced For Ashley Cole Bids

Chelsea are bracing themselves for massive bids from Barcelona and Real Madrid for Ashley Cole.

Both of the Spanish giants are in the market for a top left-back and Cole is rated among the best in the world.

Feelers have already been put out over Cole’s availability.

So far Chelsea are resisting but Real Madrid are expected to test the Stamford Bridge resolve with a £20million offer for the 29-year-old, who has been plagued by injury and off-the-field problems.

Real Madrid have also been eyeing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra only to be told the French international is not for sale.

Blues Offer New Deal To Bruma

Jeffrey Bruma has been offered a new five-year contract at Chelsea worth £8,000 a week.

The Dutch Under-21 defender is the cream of Chelsea's expensive academy project and has already been told he will be in the first team squad next season.

Bruma, 18, is part of Chelsea's FA Youth Cup-winning side and has been earmarked for a long career at Stamford Bridge.

He signed a professional contract at the club when he moved from Dutch side Feyenoord, but Chelsea want to tie him to a long-term deal.

Although £8,000 a week is low for a first-team squad player, Chelsea are prepared to sit down each summer to discuss a revised deal if continues to make progress.

With Ricardo Carvalho expected to leave Chelsea in the summer, Bruma will move up the pecking order.

Although John Terry and Alex will take some shifting from the centre of Chelsea's defence, Bruma has been tipped to be one of their successors in years to come.

Bruma currently earns just £2,000 a week, but his improved deal is a reflection of the progress he has made this season.

His contract will also be heavily incentivised with bonuses for first team appearances.

Bruma will also pick up prize money for Premier League wins and goal bonuses as part of his package.

The central defender's rise to the first team has been carefully managed by Chelsea's director of football Frank Arnesen.

Chelsea skipper Terry was the last player to successfully come through the youth ranks and make the transition to the first team.

That was 10 years ago and Arnesen, who took up his post in 2005, has overseen a youth project that has cost the club more than £50m.

Blues Face Battle For Aguero

Chelsea face a tough battle with former manager Jose Mourinho to sign long-term target Sergio Aguero.

Juventus and Mourinho's Inter Milan are Chelsea's two main rivals for Aguero, who is likely to have made his last appearance for Atletico Madrid in Wednesday's Europa League Final win over Fulham.

Mourinho has been tracking Argentina striker Aguero for some time and, if he leaves the San Siro to become the new boss at Real Madrid, may even try to persuade the player to make the controversial switch across the Spanish capital's great divide.

Aguero himself would prefer to move to the Premier League, but only if the deal is right.

In previous negotiations with Chelsea, the player's representatives indicated he would be prepared to take a pay cut of about £1million net a year in order to fulfil his ambition of coming to England.

But Aguero's package at Atletico is so lucrative that Chelsea would still have to put him up with top earner and John Terry, whose deal is worth about £160,000 per week.

Aguero's buy-out clause is a whopping £51.5m, even allowing for the weakening of the Euro, although it is believed Atletico might accept significantly less.

Chelsea's only serious potential rivals in England for Aguero's signature are the two Manchester clubs. But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be wary of signing Argentine players after problems with Juan Sebastian Veron, Gabriel Heinze and, most recently, Carlos Tevez, and City are yet to show firm interest in the player.

Meanwhile the hopes of Chelsea and a host of other top clubs of signing two of Europe's hottest young talents may also be dashed - at least for this year.

Chelsea have once more stepped up their interest in Lille sensation Eden Hazard, who is on the wanted list of every European giant. But the word from France is that Lille are determined to hang on to the 19-year-old Belgium international - who has been compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - for at least one more year.

And Belgian side Anderlecht have indicated that they intend to resist bids this year for 17-year-old Romelu Lukaku, who has been dubbed "the new Didier Drogba".

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay confirmed last week that manager Carlo Ancelotti would be given money to strengthen his ageing squad and, if the right marquee player became available, to sign star names.

But he also stressed the club's long-term desire to become self-sufficient and to bring through players from the Academy, whose youth team won the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 49 years earlier this month.

Cech: I Love This Cup

It's not often in this free-scoring end to the season that the Chelsea goalkeeper has been in the spotlight but no-one can deny that Petr Cech was one of heroes of the Double-clinching FA Cup win.

The Blues number one told the Official Chelsea Website on Saturday morning how much he enjoyed this competition and nothing that happened in the afternoon changed his mind.

Despite what all neutrals will surely say was a one-sided match, it took a remarkable reaction save from Cech to send the teams in level in at half-time, and that was before he kept out Kevin-Prince Boateng's penalty just minutes before Didier Drogba's winner.

'I was really confident that I was going to save the penalty and I think that was the key,' said Cech after the game as he was asked about what may have been a game-changing save.

'The mentality was strong and I was ready to face the penalty and I made a god choice.'

Cech dived to his right, the penalty was hit more-or-less centrally and he saved with his legs.

'From the body language when he ran towards it I chose the side.

'It looked like the kind of game when you keep missing and then you get punished in the end,'Cech reflected as he thought about five attempts against the woodwork prior to the penalty. What also deserves celebrating is his reflex save from Frederic Piquionne in the first half.

'I am delighted of course because we won the game we wanted to win to go into the history books, we are the first ever Chelsea team to win the Double and we are rare as a team that defended the FA Cup.

'It was my third FA Cup win and I love playing the FA Cup, I have never lost a single game in the FA Cup and it is brilliant and I really love playing in it.'