Chelsea Admit New Uefa Rules Will Change Transfer And Contract Policy

The Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has admitted the club will have to keep a close eye on spending and the club's wage structure in the light of the proposed Uefa plans to force clubs to balance their books.

The proposals will prevent clubs from spending more than they make from their revenues and aim to curb billionaire owners investing huge amounts of money. The new rules will be in place from the 2012-13 season and clubs could be thrown out of European competition if they do not abide by the regulations. However, Buck thinks that the rules concerning owner-investment are not particularly clear at present.

"We have looked very closely at the proposed rules and, starting now, we are going to have to be very careful on transfer fees and in salary renegotiation because having a positive profit and loss statement will be crucial in getting a Uefa licence and participating in the Champions League," said Buck. "Even if we wanted to spend more money we just won't be able to so we have to do what is necessary to comply with the new rules. In round terms your football income is going to have to equal your football expenses.

"I think personally it is very significantly different if a club gets money from its owner than a club going out and borrowing money from a bank, and I think the rules ought to take account of that. It is unclear at the moment whether they will.

"One of the problems that we see with the current formulation is that it is going to maintain the status quo. In other words, if owners cannot put money into their clubs then it is going to be very difficult for the club that is, say, at the bottom of the Premier League to work its way up to the top, or a club from the Championship to move into a respectable position in the Premier League. We don't think maintaining the status quo is right."

Meanwhile, Buck has reaffirmed there are no plans to move away from Stamford Bridge or increase its capacity which currently stands at around 42,000. The club is understood to be looking at naming rights for the stadium but that would, almost certainly, be a long-term deal over a 10-year period and with a high-profile, blue-chip investor.

"In this current economic environment it makes no sense for us to look at the possibility of a new stadium, spending that type of money," added Buck. "In terms of Stamford Bridge, it is possible we could find a way of increasing capacity by several thousand seats but it would be very expensive. You would only really do it to improve the atmosphere as opposed to improve the financial situation regarding match-day revenue.

"Also it is unclear how digital media development will affect live crowds 10 years from now. When you are going to be able to watch the match on your wrist watch, is that not going to impact on attendances? We don't really know.

"So because of all those factors, we don't think this is the right time to look at expanding Stamford Bridge or build a new stadium, but what we do have to do is look at new income sources and one of those as everyone knows is naming rights.

"We have a project for that and chief executive Ron Gourlay is doing a darn good job with that. Hopefully in the not too distant future we will have something that makes sense for a sponsor and makes sense for Chelsea and our fans."

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.