Chelsea Eye Cut Price Darijo Srna As Shakhtar Donetsk Prepare To Cash In On £20m-rated Croatia Defender

Shakhtar Donetsk are deciding whether to cash in on Chelsea target Darijo Srna as the captain of the Ukainian champions enters the final year of his £65,000-a-week contract.

The Blues made a move for the Croatia right back last summer only to be put off by a hefty £20million valuation and were also rebuffed in January.

But faced with the prospect of losing him for nothing next summer, Shakhtar are deciding make cash in on the 28-year-old for a more reasonable fee.

'I'll find out if I'm moving to another club in the next 10 days,' said Srna. 'I wouldn't be upset if I stay in Donetsk, but I want to try my hand at another level.'

Doubts remain over the Stamford Bridge futures of Portugal pair Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Fereirra, while Juliano Belletti has played his last game for the club.

Branislav Ivanovic was voted the best right-back in the Barclays Premier League by his fellow professionals but would prefer to play at centre half.

Bayern Munich are also interested in Srna, while Vedran Corluka has urged Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp to enter the bidding.

His agent Damir Stimac said: 'If Shakhtar want to complete a successful transfer of Darijo to one of Europe's top clubs, it would be best to do so this summer. He will be happy to remain in Donetsk or have the opportunity to play in the top league.'

Fabio Capello Must Use Joe Cole's Magic Feet For England

It was nice of Graeme Le Saux to speak up for his mate. Allow me to join the chorus of approval for Joe Cole. There must be a place for Cole when Fabio Capello names his World Cup 23 next week.

Le Saux is biased, of course. He spoke of Cole's talent and the need to use his inclusion in the initial squad of 30 to drive his case home. I disagree. Cole has been making his case from the moment he laced a boot.

Capello has two genuine No 10s in his squad. One is Wayne Rooney. The other is Cole. Ten is football's magic number, the shirt managers throw to the men who can make a difference, to players not bound by convention, who see the pass and the gap that others do not, in whose imaginations a different game plays out.

The news coming out of Austria ahead of tonight's fixture against Mexico was that Capello is flush with new thought, that Rooney is to slip anchor and replicate his club role at the point of the attack supported by Steven Gerrard. This is to be welcomed and adds even more weight to Cole's case. If Rooney is to be a lone striker in a more advanced position, the need for magic feet to operate behind at some point in a match is met by Cole.

The champagne moment of 2006 – and there weren't many, on the pitch at least – was Cole's strike against Sweden, a masterful dispatch that drew awed gasps. Cole sent the ball on its way with the kind of geometry few can trace. He has it in him to change the course of a match, not necessarily from the start, rather to make an impact when legs are tiring and the game is stretched.

Capello is committed to a starting line-up that precludes Cole's inclusion, whichever formation he chooses. The coupling of Gerrard and Frank Lampard is seen as inviolable, despite the tension that remains in that dynamic. Capello has inched closer than any to a compromise that frees both to duplicate their club roles, but since they fill essentially the same slot at Liverpool and Chelsea, their impact with England is never quite what it is in the Premier League.

There would be some irony were Cole to be excluded by a coach hired to add continental sophistication to a yeoman template. There is a well established English distrust at international level of mercurial feet that reaches all the way back to Sir Alf Ramsey, the World Cup reference point that Capello is seeking to match. Ramsey famously left out Jimmy Greaves for Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final, placing his trust in utilitarian values rather than art. Victory validated his choice and snuffed out the argument for decades.

In one sense, Ramsey's high point may have done more harm than good, for it serves as the eternal justification for the selection of willing legs over creativity. Selection is, of course, never that simple. The coach is required to blend a multiplicity of qualities. However, the list of high-class victims is too long to dismiss entirely the idea that Roundhead thinking has held England back.

I waged war in the playground on behalf of Sheffield United's Tony Currie, who was persistently overlooked in the Seventies. Alan Hudson was another talented playmaker considered ill-fitted for international demands. Shamefully Curry was capped only 17 times, Hudson just twice. Their exclusion explains in part why England failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1974 and 1978. That, and in 1973 a Polish goalkeeper called Jan Tomaszewski.

Glenn Hoddle's international career is one long lament over what might have been. His 53 caps short-changed, with the possible exception of Paul Gascoigne, England's greatest post-66 talent. When Spurs import Ossie Ardiles finally mastered English, one of the first questions he put to Hoddle was why he hadn't won 100 caps. Michel Platini said that had he been born French, Hoddle would have won 150. Johan Cruyff asked for his shirt after a Uefa Cup match at White Hart Lane. Plaudits do not come much higher than that.

Players such as Hoddle, Hudson, Currie and Cole need to be encouraged, to be told how brilliant they are, not to be told to tuck their shirts in, as Ron Greenwood once ordered Hoddle to do. The shirt out was the trigger that freed Hoddle's swagger, a subtle token that spoke of individualism, of romance, of creativity, attributes too often misunderstood in our game. Let's not see the trend continue with the suppression of Cole. Rooney escapes censure because he marries Cole's ability to classic English attributes, an iron will and indefatigable effort. Rooney is the first to acknowledge Cole's technical range. Capello must do likewise.

Le Saux Joins The Search

Graeme Le Saux believes the club's search for an Asian soccer star is going to reap some impressive rewards this weekend.

As many youngsters with Asian backgrounds prepare to take part in this weekend's event at our Cobham training ground, former Blue Le Saux is excited by the prospect.

'We're creating a wonderful opportunity for people to come and see what the club has to offer,' said Le Saux, 'and it's on the bank holiday weekend so it's going to be great and a full house.

'Last year there were two players who achieved professional contracts and the turnout was phenomenal.

'So this year we are just saying, come along, experience it, enjoy the facilities, and if you're good enough there's a chance you could come and join the Academy.'

It's any young footballer's dream to become part of the Chelsea youth system and this weekend aspiring players from the Asian community will be judged on a series of matches and tests.

Each test is designed specifically by the Chelsea Academy to examine speed, skill and ability.

Players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds between the ages of eight and 13 will take part in this weekend's initiative, as six lucky players strive for the chance of winning a week-long trial with the Blues.

The initiative is the first of its kind ever undertaken by a professional football club and is designed to give a much needed boost to Asian participation at all levels of the game.

Last year's initiative saw 350 young people attending the Cobham training ground and the three winning players training and turning out for Chelsea teams during the summer. Two of last year's winners have since gone to be signed by Leyton Orient and Southend.

'We are the first club to create this specific opportunity and it's great,' added Le Saux.

'It was so successful last year; the rewards and the energy that went into it were phenomenal, now we want it to be as successful this year.'

Chelsea Football Club's Search for an Asian Soccer Star campaign is delighted to have signed up leading Asian Channel Zee TV as a supporter of the campaign.

'Being a pioneer in showcasing new young talent, Zee is committed to initiatives that allow Asian youth an opportunity to perform at a national level. Zee is proud to support Chelsea's Asian Soccer Star program and hopes more of the country's leading clubs follow with similar schemes. This is undoubtedly a commendable program and Zee will do what it can to encourage its young stars,' said Govind Shahi, business head, Zee Europe.

Head of CSR at Chelsea Simon Taylor said: 'It's fantastic news that Zee TV have agreed to support the campaign and we welcome them on board.

'For a leading channel like Zee to sign up to the campaign shows how far the Asian Soccer Star program has progressed in just one year and we look forward to repeating the success of last year.'

Frank Lampard Pays Tribute To Avram Grant

Frank Lampard has paid tribute to former boss Avram Grant for kick-starting his career and helping turn him into a Double winner with Chelsea.

Grant was controversially appointed boss at Stamford Bridge in September 2007 and faced the almost impossible job of replacing the Special One, Jose Mourinho.

Lampard admits he was going through a difficult period in his career at the time and thanks Grant for reinventing him for both club and country.

He said: “I’ll be honest. It was a little bit messy when Jose Mourinho left and Avram took over. But he managed to steer us to a Champions League final.

“He’s now managed to reach another final with Portsmouth and, in the circumstances they were in, he managed to create a positive atmosphere around the place.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Avram. He was brilliant with me. He was at Chelsea at a very difficult time for me personally and he was a top man in those times.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from him. Some people look down on his time at Chelsea because he came from nowhere to take the job.

“But I’ve got nothing but nice things to say about him.”

Lampard knows too from that single season he had working with Grant that the Israeli will be a huge success at his next club West Ham.

He said: “He’s a good manager. He’s not a coach who stands and dictates every training session.

“But as a person he’s a very clever man and he’s good with people. He’s diplomatic and I think in bad moments you need someone who can bring things together.

“He’s the perfect man to speak to people individually and sort things out.

“He did that at Chelsea and, with hindsight, it’s much easier to see the results which came from him doing that.”

Lampard Backs Hot Cole To Fire

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole could provide England with the star turn they need to triumph at the World Cup.

Cole was named in Fabio Capello's 30-man provisional squad for the tournament in South Africa but it is uncertain whether he will make the final cut.

Seven players have yet to be trimmed by the Italian supremo and Cole's place in the final party could be under threat after a frustrating season at Stamford Bridge.

Despite finding form towards the end of the campaign, the winger has been blighted by injury problems and used mainly as a substitute by Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti.

But fellow midfielder Lampard says his former West Ham colleague deserves a place on merit, and that the player will be fresher going into the tournament after being out of the side.

Lampard said in the Sunday Mirror: "I hope Joe will be in the squad because he is my mate and he is a great player. He is the sort of player who gives a team something different.

"Even though he has not played that many minutes this season, there is an argument to say that makes him fresh and more dangerous.

"Joe has that little bit of magic, that little turn of pace and ability to beat a man that make all the difference.

"Not many people can bring that to a team in top-class international football but he has it, so I hope he makes it because he deserves that."

Lampard also reckons Cole's contribution in helping Chelsea win the league and cup Double will mean he has the momentum behind him to cause England's opponents problems.

He added: "Maybe that will give us a little edge, having Joe so fresh. It can't harm any of the Chelsea players to be going to the World Cup full of so much confidence after winning the Double.

"Even Joe, who has been coming on for 20 minutes or half-an-hour in games, has been looking sharp."

Cole may no longer be playing with Lampard following the World Cup as the 28-year-old is out of contract and could be free to move on in a free transfer.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are said to be keen on capturing his signature but Lampard hopes Cole remains in London.

"I don't know if he will stay at Chelsea, that is completely up to him, but Chelsea want him to stay," said the 31-year-old. "He has been a great player for us and we hope he will stay."

Chelsea Set To Spark Bidding War For Milner

Chelsea are reportedly set to enter the race for England and Aston Villa ace James Milner.

The versatile midfielder was the subject of a £20million bid from Manchester City earlier in the week, and Roberto Mancini is now believed to be willing to add a player to his offer.

Chelsea bosses have now set their sights on Milner, however, and, mindful of how they lost out on Robinho to City two years ago, now seem poised to spark a summer bidding war for his services.

A Chelsea insider reportedly said: "Losing out to City for Robinho was embarrassing at the time, even if it did turn out to be a lucky escape.

"But we are determined to get our man this time and we are very confident it will happen."

Ribery Snubs Chelsea And Man United To Sign Monster Contract At Bayern Munich

French winger Franck Ribery is set to finally end speculation surrounding a move to the Premier League by signing a massive new contract at Bayern Munich.

Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked with the controversial star but sources in Germany claim Ribery will sign a mega-deal worth a reported £130,000 a week after tax following Saturday night's Champions League final.

Ribery is expected to confirm his decision to stay at the Allianz Arena for another four years - and become the highest-paid player in Bundesliga history - when Bayern parade their season's silverware in Munich on Sunday.

Chelsea Tipped To Beat Manchester City In The Race For Sergio Aguero

A report in Spanish newspaper Marca claims today that Chelsea will beat Manchester City to the signing of Atletico Madrid striker for around 45 million euros.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has targeted Aguero, but will face competition from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Aguero’s termination clause at Atletico Madrid is 60 million euros plus VAT but the executive committee of the Europa League winners will likely settle for less and will not sell to local rivals Real Madrid.

The Argentine striker is attracted to Chelsea’s participation in the Champions League next season and would boost Carlo Ancelotti’s intention to freshen up the squad.

Manchester City could though trump the Blues with an offer that is closer to Aguero’s release clause.

Chelsea Set To Bid £20m For Liverpool Midfielder Mascherano

Liverpool midfield hard-man Javier Mascherano could be on his way to Chelsea if Carlo Ancelotti has his way.

The Chelsea boss is prepared to bid £20million for the Argentine to strengthen his midfield, The People reported on Sunday.

Contract negotiations between Mascherano and the Anfield outfit have stalled, and although he had reportedly been holding out for a transfer to Barcelona, the La Liga champions’ bid to secure the services of Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas has dented the Argentine’s hopes of playing at the Nou Camp.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is keen to keep Mascherano, but a significant transfer fee will be difficult to turn down.

The midfielder made 47 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League and European competition last season, scoring one goal and picking up 11 yellow cards. His contract is up in two years.

Chelsea are expected to boost their midfield this summer with the exits of Michael Ballack , Joe Cole and Deco on the cards.

Joe Cole Closing In On Spurs Switch

Tottenham are closing in on England midfield star Joe Cole, who has yet to agree a new contract with Chelsea and will be available on a free transfer.

He has been frustrated by the lack of progress in talks over a new deal and is aware of Tottenham’s interest.

Cole knows a move to White Hart Lane would be hard for Chelsea fans to accept, but has always held Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp in high regard.

It was Redknapp who have Cole his debut as a teenager at West Ham.

Chelsea Eye £26m Tottenham Midfielder Luka Modric

Chelsea are about to launch a £26million bid for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.

Connections of the 24-year-old Croatia midfielder have been in London this week for discussions with his club aimed at sounding out his future at White Hart Lane.

But he has emerged as a top target for the newly-crowned Double winners with manager Carlo Ancelotti, backed by director of football Frank Arnesen, acutely aware of the need to bring in younger blood if they are to maintain their place at the top of English football.

Another important factor is Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's determination to win the Champions League, an ambition he is prepared to support by slugging it out with Manchester City in what will be a multi-million pound transfer battle this summer.

Both clubs have made no secret of their desire to sign Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Modric suffered after being switched to a deep-lying role by managerial flop Juande Ramos after a £16.5million move to Spurs in the summer of 2008 and it was only after the Spaniard's successor Harry Redknapp utilized his passing and vision in a more attacking role that the Croat and Spurs blossomed.

Now the Spurs boss looks likely to get the call he dreads - when Chelsea come knocking for Modric.

John Barnes: Joe Cole Should Be Guaranteed A Spot In The World Cup Squad

John Barnes reckons Joe Cole is guaranteed a spot in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.

The Chelsea star has struggled with injuries all season and was thought to be at risk of not even making England’s 30-man training squad.

The Italian has to cut that number by seven by June 1 – and Cole is sweating on making the plane.

But Barnes, who won 79 caps for England, has told Cole that his experience will see him get the nod to play an important role in South Africa.

Barnes, speaking at an event organised by England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society, said: “Joe will be in the 23-man squad. He has struggled with injuries this season and hasn’t had the impact he has had in previous years.

“But he is still a fantastic player and will be in the squad – though he possibly won’t be in the starting XI.

“To have a player of Joe’s quality and experience – and he is a very experienced player – is what England need.”

And Barnes reckons Cole, 28, can reform the left-sided partnership with namesake Ashley Cole that worked so well in Germany four years ago.

“Look at what Joe did in the last World Cup and you will see it was a great success,” explained the former Liverpool and Watford winger.

“That was because Ashley is probably the best attacking left-back in the world, so we don’t necessarily need an out-and-out winger there.

“Joe has played there and it has worked with him coming inside and Ashley going outside him.”

And Barnes has backed Jermain Defoe, 27, to shine in South Africa as he believes the Tottenham striker is the best natural goalscorer England have.

“I love Defoe and I think he is the best natural finisher England have, better even than Wayne Rooney,” said Barnes of a player who has scored just twice in his last 13 games for club and country.

“Rooney is an all-round player, he plays wide, he can drop short, whereas as a No.9 Jermain is the one you know will put the ball in the back of the net.”

Mourinho's Tears For Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has revealed he cried after Inter Milan knocked Chelsea out of the UEFA Champions League and now wants to see Massimo Moratti shed tears of joy.

Inter are preparing for Saturday's Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Madrid having knocked out Mourinho's former club Chelsea earlier in the competition.

Mourinho masterminded a 1-0 win in the second leg of the last 16 tie at Stamford Bridge and admits he was overcome with emotion at the end of the game.

"At Stamford Bridge I cried because during the 90 minutes I wasn't thinking that I was playing against friends, but after the game I realised that my friends were out of the competition," he reflected.

"But that was crucial for Inter, without that victory we wouldn't be here today - it was a difficult emotional situation."

Success in the Santiago Bernabeu would crown Inter champions of Europe for the first time in 45 years and it is a trophy Mourinho is determined to win for the club's owner Moratti.

He added: "Defeat or victory, it will be unforgettable, but Moratti is a very special person for me.

"I would love to see him cry (with joy), I would love to see him with the cup in his hands, I would love to see him in a picture next to his father; I would love to give my little contribution to help make that happen."

Mourinho continued: "45 years is 45 years - it's a long time.

"Many of Inter's fans cannot remember that far back and many were not even born when the club last won the European Cup.

"The Champions League final is always important and you want to win it even if you won it last year, but I imagine that for these fans it will be even more special after such a long wait."

Grant Rejected Abramovich Offer To Make Shock Chelsea Return

Avram Grant has rejected a shock return to Chelsea.

The Daily Mail says Grant has rejected Roman Abramovich's invitation to return to Chelsea despite being offered more money than he stands to earn as manager of West Ham.

Grant has snubbed the director of football role he occupied at Stamford Bridge before replacing Jose Mourinho as manager in September 2007.

Despite being sacked by Abramovich two years ago after Chelsea missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester United before losing on penalties to Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the Champions League final, Grant remains close to the Russian billionaire.

Abramovich was prepared to top the £1.3million a year West Ham are offering Grant to replace Gianfranco Zola.

But Grant has opted to remain in the dug-out rather than take another behind-the-scenes post.

Yaya Toure Has Almost Made Up His Mind To Leave Barcelona For Chelsea

The future of Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure continues to be the subject of much discussion, and the Ivorian's agent has now stoked the flames after he revealed that his client has almost made his mind up to leave.

With the likes of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita ahead of Toure in Pep Guardiola's pecking order, Dmitri Seluk believes that the best move for all concerned is to allow the 27-year-old to leave for the Premier League.

"If Chelsea want Yaya and everyone wins with this deal, why not?" the agent told the Daily Mirror.

"This last season, Toure has not played regularly and Pep Guardiola has preferred Busquets or Keita instead of him.

"If he prefers Busquets and Keita, then the best thing for Toure is to leave for Chelsea. He has made up his mind 90 per cent to leave."

In addition to the new English champions, Toure has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal as part of a deal that would take Cesc Fabregas back to Catalunya. It has been reported that the midfielder was unwilling to make the move, but his representative insists that Toure is not digging his heels in over a transfer.

"He has a good salary here but he doesn't want to earn money here and fall asleep on the bench. Some players would accept that situation. Not him. If he leaves, Barca will then understand what they will lose."

Manchester City Leave Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres To Champions League Heavyweights Chelsea And Barcelona

Manchester City have left Barcelona and Chelsea to fight for the £70 million signature of Fernando Torres after their failure to secure Champions League football.

The big-spending outfit has the resources to go toe-to-toe with their rivals due to owner Sheikh Mansour's bottomless wealth. According to The Guardian, important figures within the club have acknowledged that the lack of top-level European football has dropped them out of the running to prise the Spaniard from Liverpool.

City finished in fifth place in the Premier League last season after they targeted a top-four finish. Torres is understood to only be prepared to leave Merseyside for one of Europe's traditional elite.

Blues Keen On Kaka Swoop - Report

Chelsea is hopeful of signing Real Madrid playmaker Kaka in a cut-price summer deal, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Blues chief Carlo Ancelotti, who has just won the Double in his first season in English football, worked with the Brazilian star during their time together at AC Milan.

The 28-year-old moved to Madrid in a £68.5million deal last summer but had a quiet first season in La Liga and has been tipped to move on.

Despite his amazing first season at Stamford Bridge Ancelotti is not resting on his laurels and is ready to bolster his squad, but whether central midfield is an area he needs to strengthen is debatable.

Michael Essien will be like a new signing next season, while Jon Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack have all performed superbly at different points of the season.

Chelsea Villain Tom Henning Ovrebo To Quit International Refereeing

Controversial Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has quit international refereeing after he was ignored for the upcoming World Cup.

Ovrebo, 43, received death threats in 2008 when he denied Chelsea several penalty shouts in their Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona.

He continued to court headlines in this year's competition, when he allowed a Miroslav Klose goal in the first leg quarter-final meeting between Bayern Munich and Fiorentina to stand when the striker was clearly offside and then later declined to send the same player off for a dangerous tackle.

Speaking to Reuters today, he insisted his retirement after officiating 23 matches in Europe's top club tournament, plus numerous internationals was "no big drama", as next year he would have been over UEFA's age limit.

"This is based on signals Norway's Football Association got from UEFA about prospects for further assignments," Ovrebo said.

"Some will remember me for the Chelsea-Barcelona game in particular, but I can live well with that."

Youth Internationals: Borini On Target

Fabio Borini was on target to help Italy Under-19s to victory in the first game of a European Championship qualification tournament.

Italy beat Czech Republic 2-0 on Friday despite playing for over 30 minutes with 10 men. A Jacopo Sala cross led to the opening goal in the first half before Borini doubled the lead 15 minutes from the end with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Sala played the first-half; Borini was subbed on 78 minutes.

Italy faces Northern Ireland on Sunday and then host-nation Russia on Wednesday.

Chelsea youth products Josh McEachran and Nathaniel Chalobah were part of the England Under-17 team that ensured a place in the European Championship semi-finals with a win over Greece on Friday night.

A 1-0 victory in the second group game of the tournament in Liechenstein gave the young England side six points out of six. McEachran, playing behind the main striker, was typically creative while schoolboy defender Chalobah headed a corner just wide.

England's final group game is against Turkey on Monday with the semi-final on Thursday.

Jeffrey Bruma and Patrick van Aanholt have both been in action for the Dutch Under 19 side in two matches against Portugal. The first resulted in a 3-1 defeat; the second match, in which Van Aanholt only played the first half, ended goalless.

Charity Pitch Events Raise Vital Funds

Stamford Bridge played host to our national and global charity partners this week as they held separate football tournaments on the hallowed turf.

On Wednesday afternoon, Help a London Child held a five-a-side tournament on the pitch before the winners went on to play an 11-a-side match for the cup.

The competition was called Capital Kicks and Capital Radio's Breakfast Show host and life-long Chelsea fan Jonny Vaughan came along to show his support.

'Thank you very much to all the teams who took part,' said Vaughan, 'it was all in aid of our charity Help a London Child.

'There was loads of enthusiasm, we raised loads of money and it was a cracking day.'

The cup final pitted Capital/LBC, managed by Ron 'Chopper' Harris, and The Independent, managed by Scott Minto, against one another. Minto's side The Independent (pictured) won a tense encounter by a single goal.

'I just told them to go out and enjoy it. Don't try to be the hero and take on 10 people, you're all in it together so play as a team,' said the triumphant Minto.

Then on Thursday the club's global charity partner Right To Play also held a football tournament at Stamford Bridge.

The international charity held a World Cup-type of tournament for the fourth year and raised a phenomenal amount of money.

'We set up a World Cup tournament where teams don't represent Argentina and England which is the standard World Cup tournament format, we represent Liberia, Lebanon, Rwanda and so on,' said Mike Emery, director of Right To Play.

'Teams pay to take part, they are proud of the country they represent and last year we had a final that was Sierra Leone versus Rwanda, which is never going to happen in modern football.

'This year we have raised £125,000 which is great. This is the fourth year running and it has raised almost £100,000 every year so it is a really good event for us and the money is distributed to our projects around the world,' added Emery.

One person taking part in the Right To Play World Cup was Parkour founder Sébastien Foucan, who starred in the James Bond film Casino Royale by using his skills of jumping and climbing to overcome most obstacles.

'I am here because I have been really involved with Right To Play for more than three years now and I try my best to be with them as much as I can to really help the kids in poor countries,' said Foucan.

'I feel it is the type of tournament when it is not really about the competition, it is about participation and I am really happy to be here.'