Chelsea's Florent Malouda Saddened By Joe Cole Exit

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has pinpointed defending the Premier League title as the Blues' priority for next season - though he admits that having to do so without the services of England winger Joe Cole saddens him.

Cole was released by Chelsea and, as Goal.com has revealed, looks to be on his way to Arsenal.

Malouda was unhappy to see his team-mate leave and is uncertain as to the exact reasons for his departure.

"Joe has spent so many years at Chelsea, that it's really strange. I don't know why [he was allowed to leave]," he mused.

"I think everybody enjoyed the way he was committed to the club.”

However, the Frenchman is looking ahead to new targets. And while retaining the Premier League crown will be the club's main aim, on a personal level Malouda's ambition remains bringing European glory to Stamford Bridge by helping Chelsea win the Champions League.

"First is to defend the league. We were fighting last year to get the league back. We have to defend our trophy," he told Sky Sports News.

"After that [it's] the Champions League. I wish in my Chelsea career that I could touch that trophy and lift that trophy, but I won't give up, even if we fail next year, which I don't want, but I won't give up."

As for winning the title last season, Malouda cites the win at Manchester United on April 3 as the key point in the campaign.

"That's where we took the trophy back because after that we knew [with] that one point [lead] we had to defend it," he added.

"To win the league at the last game in the way we did it was incredible. The key was ambition; hard work every day and commitment.

"It was an obsession to become champions."

Sepp Blatter Apologises Over Frank Lampard 'Goal' In England v Germany

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has apologised to England over Frank Lampard's 'goal' against Germany in the World Cup, and has revealed he will 'reopen the file' on the use of goal-line technology in football at a board meeting next month.

Blatter, who has previously stood in the way of introducing any form of modern technology into the sport, also apologised to the Mexican FA over Argentina's controversial opening goal in their last-16 match, when Carlos Tevez was shown to be offside.

A shot from Lampard bounced down off the crossbar and was a yard over the goal-line - but the Uruguayan officiating team did not award a goal.

And this incident - coupled with the Mexican players' lengthy protests after replays of Tevez's goal was shown on the big screen in the stadium, highlighting the officials' mistake - has forced Fifa into a rethink over their policy.

Blatter told a media briefing in Johannesburg: 'It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be nonsense to not reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA board in July.

'Personally I deplore it when you see evident referee mistakes but it's not the end of a competition or the end of football, this can happen.

'I have spoken to the two federations [England and Mexico] directly concerned by referees mistakes. I have expressed to them apologies and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticising.

'We will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and have the first opportunity in July at the business meeting.'

In March, Fifa blocked attempts by the Football Association to push through further experiments with technology in football.

However, Blatter now appears to have had a change of heart.

He continued: 'It happened in 1966 and then 44 years later - though it was not quite the same.

'I apologised to England and Mexico. The English said 'thank you and accepted that you can win [some] and you lose [some], and the Mexicans bowed their head and accepted it.'

The Fifa president added a caveat by saying only technology for goal-line incidents would be re-examined - not offside decisions such as the one during the Mexico v Argentina match, which Diego Maradona's side won 3-1.

'The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goal-line technology,' he explained.

'Football is a game that never stops and the moment there was a discussion if the ball was in or out, or there was a goal-scoring opportunity, do we give a possibility to a team to call for replays once or twice like in tennis?

'For situations like the Mexico game you don't need technology.'

David Silva 'Rejects Chelsea' To Complete Manchester City Transfer

David Silva will join Manchester City in two weeks' time after the Premier League club confirmed they have agreed a deal with Valencia - ending any lingering interest Chelsea had in signing the highly-rated Spaniard.

The 24-year-old, who has been a reported target for several English sides all summer, will sign a five-year contract at Eastlands once the World Cup is over.

Silva is due to fly to Manchester following the conclusion of the tournament in South Africa, and his signing will be confirmed after he completes a medical and puts pen to paper on the agreed deal.

'I would like to thank Valencia as a club and all of their loyal fans, and my team-mates there and staff,' said Silva, who is currently preparing for Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Paraguay this weekend.

'I have enjoyed six years at Valencia, they discovered me as a footballer and they will always be a special club for me.

'But the time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City.

'I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.'

City manager Roberto Mancini described Silva as 'one of the best midfielders in Europe' and said he is 'so pleased' to have signed the playmaker for an undisclosed fee ahead of next season.

'I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City,' explained the Italian, who is already talking up his side's chances of challenging for the domestic league title.

'In signing David, we are showing the world that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League.

'When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it.'

Ashley Cole And John Terry 'Lined Up For Big-Money Real Madrid Transfers'

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is said to be planning to bring in Chelsea stalwarts Ashley Cole and John Terry to boost his defence for the 2010/11 La Liga campaign.

Both players, who now have the chance to sit down for talks over their club futures following England's elimination from the World Cup last week, are being targeted by Real in a bid to wrestle the Spanish title back from bitter rivals Barcelona.

Mourinho rates both Cole and Terry very highly from his time at Chelsea between 2004 and 2007.

And the Blues are reportedly willing to listen to offers for both players, given the respective personal problems they have suffered throughout the course of last season in England.

The news comes after Cole reportedly send a mobile phone message to a group of friends earlier this month, which has since been made public, saying, 'I hate England and the f***ing people!' - hinting he could move abroad this summer.

Mourinho would be the favourite to land Cole's signature, while the Portuguese tactician is also the most likely man to be able to persuade Terry to leave Stamford Bridge.

Recent speculation suggests the Blues are considering cutting their losses on the former England captain, whose ropey performances in the second half of last season and at the World Cup have made Carlo Ancelotti nervous about his fading powers.

Terry was largely at fault for Germany's crucial first and third goals in the 4-1 humiliation in the last-16, having been caught too far upfield for both, and his much-vaunted positional sense has been found wanting on several occasions in recent months.
At 29, the pace of Spanish football may be better suited to Terry's game and he is rumoured to be tempted to depart Chelsea in order to be reunited with his former coach in Madrid.

Malouda Says Chelsea Fans Can Be Excited About Youngsters Coming Through

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda says fans can be excited about the youngsters coming through at Stamford Bridge.

The former Lyon man believes the club wants to give their younger players a chance to shine and that involves developing the likes of Gael Kakuta, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma and Patrick van Aanholt.

"I think the fans always want big names and that's normal. I think the club has a strategy to improve.

"They are trying to bring on young players like Kakuta, Borini, Bruma and my friend Patrick van Aanholt.

"I hope that they could have the opportunity to wear the shirt."

Wolves May Abandon Bid To Sign Chelsea's Mancienne

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy may abandon his attempts to sign Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who spent last season and two months at the end of 2008 on loan at Molineux, had been a target of McCarthy's.

But Chelsea's indecision to let him join, either permanently or on loan, might force Wolves to look elsewhere.

"I can't hang around waiting for decisions to be made that might be negative ones," said McCarthy.

"I've been asked about Michael Mancienne, but we've done business and signed a centre-half in Steven Mouyokolo."

Mancienne initially joined Wolves on loan at the end of October 2008 and made 10 appearances for McCarthy's side in two months in the Championship.

When the Molineux outfit was promoted to the Premier League in 2009 he joined on a season-long loan, making 30 appearances.

The central defender was employed mainly in a defensive midfield role during the second half of last season because of the form of Jody Craddock and Christophe Berra.

Mancienne has won 21 caps and scored one goal for the England Under-21 team.

He was named in England manager Fabio Capello's senior squad for the friendly against Germany in Berlin in November 2008 but did not feature in the match.

AC Milan To Try To Beat Arsenal To Joe Cole With £9m Contract

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has emerged as a summer target for AC Milan, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport.

Goal.com UK revealed previously that the England winger had agreed a deal to join Arsenal for the new season, but it seems that some of his suitors have not yet given up the chase.

The Rossoneri are set to try and tempt the player away from the Premier League with wages of £60,000 - £20,000 a week less than he was on at Chelsea and £40,000 lower than the amount he was seeking from a new contract with the Blues.

England manager Fabio Capello has apparently recommended the star to Milan chief Adriano Galliani.

Inter, Lazio and Juventus are also reported to be monitoring the 29-year-old's situation, though they may all be disappointed as Cole agreed in principle to join Arsenal before flying out to the World Cup, and his move to the Emirates should be completed assuming he passes a full medical.

Arsenal is offering Cole £80,000-a-week on a three-year contract laden with incentives.

Chelsea Go To War With Manchester City Over Benfica Defender David Luiz

Chelsea are set to take on moneybags Manchester City in the race to land promising Benfica defender David Luiz, according to Record.

The Brazilian youth international shone last term for the Portuguese champions and has had a £40 million price tag slapped on him.

As well as the Premier League pair, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter have all been linked with the versatile defender.

A £20m bid from City has already been turned away, but this has not deterred Carlo Ancelotti from entering the race.

He believes the lure of Champions League football will be enough to bring Luiz to Stamford Bridge.

West Ham Join Chelsea In Race To Sign Neymar

West Ham have joined Chelsea in acquiring Brazilian wonderkid Neymar - only to be warned they must obliterate their transfer record to sign the 18-year-old.

The Santos forward has been inevitably compared to Pele and is widely seen as the country's most talented teenager for silky skills and eye for goal.

Manchester City secured first option on Neymar when they allowed Robinho to join Santos on loan, while Chelsea and Real Madrid have closely tracked him for some time.

Sources in Brazil say West Ham have made informal enquiries in the last few days as they search for a striker.

However, Santos believe that it is at least 12 months too soon to sell their brightest prospect and insist they will not consider a deal for less than his £28.4million release clause.

Any deal is complicated by Santos owning just 60 per cent of Neymar's rights and restrictive rules following the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano mean that English suitors would have to buy out the remaining 40 per cent from an investment group.

The future of his highly rated team-mate Paulo Henrique Ganso is more fluid.

City also has a first-option on the 20-year-old, dubbed the 'New Kaka', but Lyon have joined AC Milan and Real Madrid in stepping up their interest.

Manchester United's scouts in Brazil have also been impressed by a player who was on the standby list to go to the World Cup despite national coach Dunga consistently overlooking youth in favour of experience.

Ganso has an even bigger buy-out clause than Neymar and Santos would expect a hefty fee, but the playmaker recently refused to consider his future beyond the Brazilian Cup final on August 4.

Blackpool Chasing Chelsea’s Scott Sinclair & West Ham United’s Danny Gabbidon

Premier League newcomers Blackpool are lining up moves for Chelsea forward Scott Sinclair and West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon, according to the News of the World.

Pool boss Ian Holloway first discovered Sinclair as a 10-year-old during his spell as manager of Bristol Rovers before signing him on loan at Plymouth Argyle in 2007.

Sinclair caught the eye during his stay at Home Park, but has since been loaned out five times, including a season-long loan deal at Wigan Athletic last year where he started just one league game.

Meanwhile, Gabbidon has also emerged as a target for Blackpool after an injury-hit four years at Upton Park.

The Welshman missed the second half of both the 2006-07 and 2007-08 campaigns before missing the entire of the next season through injury.

He made his long-awaited return to the West Ham first team last season but made just 11 appearances as injury hampered his season once again.

Chelsea Target Charles Kabore Staying With Olympique De Marseille

Marseille midfielder Charles Kabore has ruled out a move to Chelsea, claiming he wants to stay with the French champions.

The Burkina Faso international had also been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Sunderland, West Brom and Stoke City, but the 22-year-old has ruled out a move to England for the immediate future.

“I want to prolong my stay with Marseille. I love this club and want to do well here,” Kabore told Sky Sports News.

"We will have a great chance next season to win the league again and challenge for the Champions League, so I want to be part of that."

Kabore joined Marseille in January in 2008 and played a key role in Didier Deschamps' Ligue 1 winning side last season.

Harry Looking To Swipe Cole From Under Arsenal's Nose

Harry Redknapp has tried to gazump Arsenal in the fight for Joe Cole.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has put together a package which they believe can lure the England midfielder to White Hart Lane ahead of their north London rivals.

Redknapp is a huge fan of Cole and has urged Levy to sign his former West Ham protege after the 28-year-old was released by Chelsea.

Levy does not want to go above the current £60,000-a-week wage structure.

But they have put forward an offer to Cole’s advisers which includes a signing-on fee, loyalty and success bonuses which will make it the best pay deal at the club.

Tottenham outcast Robbie Keane, a target for Aston Villa and Birmingham, is the club’s top earner on £60,000-a-week but Ledley King has also agreed a new deal which puts him on a par even though it includes a pay-as-you-play element.

Redknapp believes his squad needs strengthening for next season’s Champions League and would dearly love to get Cole.

Cole has also attracted interest from Arsenal - but only if they can offload another of their forwards with Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky both available at the right price.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Inter Milan are keen but Cole has made it clear that he will make a decision on football rather than financial reasons and that he is desperate for a manager who will show “faith” in him.

Redknapp believes his relationship with Cole could yet prove to be the trump card even though bigger clubs are interested and they may be able to offer bigger contracts.

Arsenal would be a big draw but Cole insisted after England’s World Cup exit that no deal has yet been agreed although Arsene Wenger is monitoring developments closely and has made enquiries.

Cole wants to play through the middle to boost his international chances and is keen to get at least a three-year deal but says he will decide on his future in a fortnight after going on holiday.

No Fifa Apology After Lampard Goal Howler

World Cup organisers are refusing to apologise for the shocking refereeing decision that saw England’s second goal against Germany not given.

For 20 minutes, Fifa spokesman Nicolas Maingot refused to answer questions on the need for TV technology, during a press conference in Johannesburg.

His boss, Fifa president Sepp Blatter, did not attend despite demands for top-level answers.

Every question from the assembled international journalists was about yesterday’s refereeing howlers. Each time refusing to comment, Mr. Maingot said he was not qualified to speak about refereeing matters.

Uruguayan linesman Mauricio Espinosa ruled out Frank Lampard’s first-half strike, seen by more than 17.5million British viewers. The blunder was compounded later when Argentina’s opening goal against Mexico was allowed to stand even though its scorer, Carlos Tevez, was clearly offside.

Asked what message World Cup bosses had for England fans, Mr. Maingot sat silently before refusing to comment. He finally said: ‘To the fans, not just England fans but all fans around the world, we hope that they can continue to enjoy the World Cup.’

Chelsea's Frank Lampard Won't Quit England After Shambolic Exit From World Cup 2010

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard insists that he has given retirement from international football no serious consideration following England's exit from the World Cup.

The English suffered their worst ever defeat in a World Cup finals when they lost 4-1 to Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

Lampard will carry on making himself available for his country even though he will turn 36 during the next tournament, scheduled to be held in Brazil in 2014.

"I want to carry on with England. I think there will be a lot of talking, not just about me," he told reporters.

"It's important players go away and don't listen to it and concentrate on our jobs now.

"The talk is great for the people who are involved in that sort of thing but it doesn't actually make any difference.

"We'll try and carry on, that's what we have to do.

"Only one team wins the World Cup and the rest go home at some stage and don't win it so the talking is by the by.

"We'll have to come back and try and perform."

Many think that the time has come for major surgery to be performed on the England team, with the so-called 'Golden Generation' beginning to reach the twilight of their careers now.

Lampard was not prepared to comment one way or the other though as to what he felt was right at this stage.

"You know what, I don't really want to talk about it at the moment," he added.

"We will worry about that when we start again.

"There is bitter disappointment. It's right up there with other disappointments.

"You are at a World Cup and we felt we could have got a bit of momentum after the Slovenia game."

England Out

Four more Chelsea players are heading home from the World Cup after England were humiliated by Germany, beaten 4-1 in Bloemfontein.

In what was expected to be a tight last 16 encounter, individual and collective mistakes cost England dear, and although they looked like getting back into the game after falling 2-0 behind, susceptibility to fast German counter-attacking meant more danger at the back.

A major talking point arrived with the score at 2-1, when Frank Lampard's half-volley smashed against the crossbar and bounced over the goal-line, though the officials did not award the goal, the opposite to what occurred so famously in 1966. Things could have been very different afterwards, but it is the Germans who will take confidence as they progress into the quarter-finals. For England, it will be a summer of soul-searching.

For the first time in his tenure England coach Fabio Capello named an unchanged line-up, which meant starts for John Terry, Ashley Cole and Lampard, but again Joe Cole would begin on the bench.

It was the left-back's 14th England appearance at a World Cup - only Peter Shilton has more, and there were none more dependable than the Chelsea man in the three group games of this World Cup, so it was a major surprise that the Germans' first chance of the game came down his side.

Mesut Ozil found space in the channel and bore down on the England goal, but he shot straight at David James who saved with his feet.

Ten minutes in Terry had to quash a German counter-attack by making a string block, and then Cole copied his club captain with a ferocious ball-winning challenge on Thomas Muller.

England were enjoying possession without making chances, their first shot being a Lampard free-kick that was sent straight into Germany's defensive wall after the midfielder had been cut down.

Almost immediately Germany went to the other end and took the lead.

A Manuel Neuer goal-kick evaded both Terry and Matthew Upson in central defence, but not Bayern Munich forward Miroslav Klose who ran on and slotted past James with the outside of his right boot.

On the half-hour the same player should have scored a second but James prevented him with some alert goalkeeping, though there was nothing the 39-year-old could do a minute later when the Germans worked the ball across to Lukas Podolski in space inside the area, and the Cologne forward smashed it beneath the 'keeper and into the far corner.

England's World Cup sat on a knife edge, something major would need to change.

Lampard almost pulled a goal back from Milner's cross, and then Upson, up for a corner, did, as he leapt high and headed home Steven Gerrard's cross.

Within two minutes Lampard sent home a brilliant dipping half-volley that bounced two feet over the line, the type of goal we've seen time and again at Stamford Bridge.

But when there are big decisions involving Chelsea players on the international stage, they tend to go against us, and the Uruguayan linesman failed to acknowledge the ball had crossed the line, and failed to award the goal.

It was another major setback at a time when England were in the ascendancy, but after a chaotic first half, they would probably have taken being 2-1 down at half-time, if it was offered.

Six minutes into the second period Lampard lined up a second free-kick of the afternoon, some 35 yards out. Again, at Stamford Bridge we've seen them go in, and this was so, so close.

The 32-year-old rifled it hard at goal, but again the ball slammed against the crossbar, this time rebounding up into the air rather than down, and again the Germans survived.

On 64 minutes the Chelsea count on the field rose to four, with Joe Cole on for James Milner, operating down the right flank.

It was unfortunate for the winger that almost immediately after his introduction, Germany snatched a third. Lampard's free-kick hit the wall, Gareth Barry lost possession high up the field and the German attack broke quicker than the England defence could chase them, the ball eventually ending up with Muller who fired past James.

Three minutes later the dream was well and truly over, as another break saw Ozil sweep the ball across the box for Muller to smash home. 4-1, 20 minutes left, game over.

Gerrard and Wayne Rooney almost combined to pull one back 10 minutes from time but Neuer pulled off a superb save from the Liverpool man.

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips replaced former Blues right-back Glen Johnson with four minutes remaining, with time only for Lampard to fire in another speculative effort from distance which Neuer held comfortably.

My Favourite Games: Deco

Deco is expected to return to the Portuguese line-up for their World Cup round of 16 game against Spain - but here we focus on the past rather than the future as the 32-year-old shares with us his two favourite games - one in which he played, and one he watched.

Favourite game played:

As one of just a few men to have reached the pinnacle of the club game, it is little surprise Deco picks a Champions League Final as his career highpoint.

Twice a winner of Europe's most prestigious club competition, the playmaker has triumphed at both Porto and Barcelona, while playing in more than 100 Uefa matches.

In 2006, he was part of the Barça side that came from behind to beat Arsenal in Paris, Juliano Belletti scoring a late winner, but it is his earlier success with Porto that brings the broadest grin.

Managed by Jose Mourinho, and with Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa as team-mates (as well as former Chelsea loanee Maniche), Porto's was a close-knit side that had won the Uefa Cup after beating Celtic a year earlier.

n the Final in 2004, they could, and possibly should have met Chelsea, but instead it was our semi-final conquerors, Monaco, that they faced in Gelsenkirchen.

At first, Porto were up against it as their opponents started well, but when Carlos Alberto converted a Ferreira cross five minutes before half-time, the balance of the game changed.

Deco began to stand out, and netted his side's second goal with20 minutes to go, stroking home Dmitri Alenichev's pass to double the lead after a swift counter-attack.

Alenichev scored a third four minutes later and it was game over, the outsiders triumphant after coming past Manchester United, Lyon and Deportivo La Coruna en route to Germany.

'It was my first Champions League Final and it was different to win for Porto because everyone knows how difficult it is,' Deco says. 'All the teams want to win and Porto has less money than the other teams, but we had a great team, I scored in the Final and was Man of the Match.

'We had the same team that had won the Uefa Cup and we had a good spirit. Porto will find it difficult to have another team like that.'

Days later Mourinho departed for Stamford Bridge, bringing Carvalho and Ferreira with him, while Deco went on to spend four years in Spain before arriving in west London.

Favourite game watched:

Deco's cherished memory as a spectator brings back a family experience many youngsters will relate to, watching a game with your dad.

He would only have been knee high to a grasshopper at the time, but he still recalls the 1982 World Cup, when his native Brazil met eventual champions Italy in Barcelona. What followed would be one of the greatest games ever.

Brazil boasted one of its best ever sides too, with talent that could match the great 1970 team, names like Falcao, Socrates and Zico still so well remembered today. For Italy, there was Dino Zoff in goal, defender Claudio Gentile, Marco Tardelli (who would become so famous in the Final), and Paolo Rossi.

t was Rossi, who had been banned, that netted a hat-trick on the day to deny Brazil a semi-final spot despite great strikes from Socrates and Falcao.

'The favourite game I ever watched, I think it would maybe when Brazil lost against Italy in 1982, I don't remember much but I remember my father watching the game,' Deco recalls.

'Nobody thought Italy could win against Brazil, it was such a great team.

'It is my first football memory, I can't remember many things from then, but this game I can remember.'

Aguero Deal Dismissed

Although the name of Chelsea Football Club has been linked heavily with a move for the Argentine striker, Sergio Aguero, the latest implication is that it has all been paper talk.

Aguero, currently on international duty at South Africa 2010, has been the subject of a quote issued by the Atletico Madrid president, Enrique Cerezo.

Cerezo, discussing the possibility of a transfer is quoted as having remarked,

"We have not received any offers and we do not need them."

I think they (Aguero and Forlan) want to continue at Madrid."

Rio Ferdinand Points To Frank Lampard's 'Goal' As Critical Moment

Injured England captain Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed Frank Lampard's disallowed goal as the key moment in Sunday’s 4-1 World Cup thrashing against Germany.

Ferdinand, ruled out of the competition with a knee injury, watched the old enemy run rampant in the last-16 clash in Bloemfontein.

Joachim Low's side were 2-1 up when Lampard's shot hit the crossbar and landed a good yard over the line, only for the goal not to be given by the Uruguayan officials.

In the second half a dominant Germany showing rendered that decision academic but Ferdinand believes it may have been a different story had the sides gone in 2-2 at the break.

Speaking to The Sun, the Manchester United defender said: ''If Lamps' goal had stood it would have been 2-2 and then the game would've turned on its head. We'd have been at full throttle. I'm sure we'd have gone on to win it.

''I was sitting here with my mates and we were all screaming at the TV along with everyone else in the pubs going bananas. I'm a professional footballer but I'm also a fan so I know what it's like.

''Your emotions get a grip of you and you think 'How's he not seen it?'

''It wasn't like a counter-attack or something, he was up there with the run of play. He has to be able to see that.''

Ferdinand went on to say he sympathised with the fans' anger at the timid exit from the competition.

The relationship between the squad and their followers hit the headlines earlier in the competition when misfiring striker Wayne Rooney was captured criticising the booing supporters following the 0-0 draw with Algeria.

Ferdinand was more conciliatory than that.

''I understand fans' anger,'' he said. ''People pay good money to go and watch football. If people are angry you can't knock that. They pay their hard-earned money to watch us all over the world so that's part and parcel of it.

''When you look at the names on our teamsheet, you'd have to say that not getting to the latter stages of the tournament that you've underachieved.

''To look at it as an underachievement, given the players we've got to choose from, is a fair point.''

Ferdinand defended the man who made him England captain, albeit only after John Terry's personal indiscretions, and backed Fabio Capello to bounce back from the current calls for his head.

''I believe he's the man to take us to being a successful team. His track record is nothing to be sniffed at,'' he said.

''We've got the utmost respect for this manager. I've enjoyed every moment being around this manager. From the way he coaches to his professionalism, his experience – you can only learn from people like that.''

Joe Cole Blames 'Politics' For Chelsea Exit As Arsenal And Spurs Hover

Joe Cole has blamed "political reasons" for his release from Chelsea and will return to England from South Africa to consider his immediate future, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal understood to be interested in signing him under the Bosman ruling.

The 29-year-old, a late substitute in England's demoralising 4-1 defeat by Germany in Bloemfontein today, will depart Stamford Bridge after seven seasons in south‑west London having failed to agree terms on an extension to his stay with the Double winners. He joins Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti in leaving the club, with the Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun earmarked to replace him in a deal worth around £5m.

"My season for Chelsea wasn't great for what I believe were political reasons rather than footballing reasons," he said. "I love [the Chelsea manager] Carlo Ancelotti and have big respect for him. My leaving is not financial and it is nothing to do with Carlo. I love him and think he is a top guy and a top manager. I've loved my time at Chelsea and I love the fans but it is a story for another day and I will tell it. But now is not the time.

"Now I want to have a couple of weeks off, to sort my future out as soon as possible, to go on holiday with my family. Next season I want to have a fantastic season for England and for whatever club I am at. Wherever I go, it'll be a footballing decision. I want to play in a more central position and I want a manager who has faith in me. And I'm talking about club football here.

"It's a big decision for me and my family but I'm open to anything at the moment. I have purposely not spoken to anyone while I've been here because that wouldn't be fair on England. My phone has been turned off but now I want to sort it all out."

Cork Left In Limbo

Jack Cork’s future remains in limbo as he waits to hear whether he will be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer, with the midfielder still open to a return to Burnley.

Cork impressed while on loan at Turf Moor in the second half of the 2009/10 campaign and said at the end of the season that he would be prepared to rejoin the Clarets - even though they have now been relegated from the Premier League to the Championship.
The midfielder, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Friday, is ready to cut his ties with Chelsea in order to seek a permanent move elsewhere and had been hoping to discuss his future with Blues in the days following end of the season.

Cork still has two years to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge but it is understood that he has still not heard anything from Chelsea or their sporting director Frank Arnesen about whether he will be allowed to leave this summer - either permanently or on loan.

The former Southampton, Watford and Coventry loanee, who has also been linked with a move to newly promoted Blackpool, is keen to know where he will be playing during the 2010/11 season.

But any firm decision could be complicated further if Chelsea decide to keep Cork at the club for their pre-season games, with 10 of their first-team squad set to return to training late following World Cup duty.

And it remains to be seen whether that could scupper his hopes of a return to Burnley, with Clarets boss Brian Laws keen to have all new signings on board by the time his squad fly to Singapore for their pre-season tour on July 17.

Cork came through Chelsea’s youth system but, after several loan spells away from the club to gain experience, he is said to be resigned to the fact that he will be unable to break into the Blues’ first team - such is the fierce competition for places at Stamford Bridge.

Asked about his future at the end of the season, he said: “I want to see what the feedback is (at Chelsea).

“Maybe if Burnley comes in for me in the summer I’ll have to really, really think about it.

“I know next year we’ll have a really strong team, especially if we keep a lot of the players. The financial situation is good and it’s a really good club.

“I can really see Burnley bouncing back.”