Chelsea confirm Hazard signing

Chelsea have completed the transfer of Eden Hazard from Ligue 1 side Lille, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

The 21-year-old Belgian international has agreed personal terms with the club and passed a medical examination with the reigning Champions League winners.

“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have agreed terms with Lille for the transfer of Eden Hazard,” the west London club said on their website.

“The 21-year-old Belgian international has agreed personal terms with the club and today passed a medical examination.

“He will join the club in July when the players return for pre-season training.”

Having spent the off-season being pursued by a host of major European clubs, Hazard declared that he would join the Blues last week.

Hazard scored 21 goals in 48 appearances for Lille last season, also making 18 assists as the club finished third in Ligue 1.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/chelsea-confirm-hazard-signing/95853/

Blues seal deal for Hazard World Soccer Shop

Lille playmaker Eden Hazard has finally completed his move to Chelsea after passing a medical with the European champions.

Hazard: Moving to Chelsea

Almost a week after announcing he had decided to move to Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old Belgium international was officially confirmed as a Blues player.

Hazard cost a reported £32million, which would make him the second most expensive player in Chelsea's history behind Fernando Torres.

The club said in a statement on their official website: "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have agreed terms with Lille for the transfer of Eden Hazard.

"The 21-year-old Belgian international has agreed personal terms with the club and today passed a medical examination.

"He will join the club in July when the players return for pre-season training."

Hazard added: "I'm delighted to finally arrive here - it's a wonderful club and I can't wait to get started."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17757/blues_seal_deal_for_hazard

Romeu backs Torres to shine World Soccer Shop

Chelsea star Oriol Romeu thinks his team-mate Fernando Torres will be a key player for Spain at Euro 2012 despite enduring a difficult season.

Torres: Has a fan in Romeu

Torres, who cost the London club £50million when he was signed from Liverpool in January last year, scored just 11 goals in 48 appearances at club level this season but is expected to start when Spain begin the defence of their European crown against Italy on Saturday.

However, Romeu thinks his experience of the big occasions and workrate could prove vital for the world champions.

He told Marca: "I think that Torres will be a very important player for the national team at the Euros because he is a player with great quality and experience and these characteristics are very important in a forward.

"He is very important for Chelsea too. You only have to look at how the fans love him and chant his name, whilst he is also loved amongst the players and directors at the club."

Torres admitted last week that he was as excited as ever to play for his country after being left out by Vicente Del Bosque for the friendly against Venezuela in February and Romeu believes being dropped provoked a reaction in the World Cup winner.

"It is true that when you lose something you realise how important it is and this is what happened with Fernando in the national team," he said.

"When Del Bosque left him out he did so to give him a warning and he took it well, naturally he continued to work until the end of the season and now he is there with a great chance of having a good European Championship."

On his own situation at Chelsea, Romeu was more guarded after featuring only twice since Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas in March.

He said: "That I have played less is a reality but there are times when you play more or less and you have to accept that, but now it is a difficult time.

"The manager said he believed in me but when we entered a phase in which we played a lot he chose the players he believed were more suited to play. But I expect to start again in the new season and if I continue to work bit by bit I believe I can get into the team.

"More than anything I believe I can do as I have already shown I can play from the start. When you look at what has happened you know it is not a utopia and you can return to achieve it again."

The former Barcelona midfielder also reflected on an eventful first season at Stamford Bridge, which culminated in dumping his old side of the Champions League at the semi-final stage on their way to winning the tournament.

"It has been a brutal season," he continued.

"We believed in ourselves and the team knew what we could do. We believed in our chances, even against Barcelona, and this allowed us the chance to reach the Champions League final."

Romeu is also hoping to start next season in fine fashion by playing in the Olympics which start at the end of July.

The 20-year-old was involved in the Spain Under-23 side that beat Egypt in February and is expected to be named in Luis Milla's squad for the games, but is wary given how well a number of other players finished the season whilst he was not playing at Chelsea.

"Hopefully I can go with the national team but I have to wait and see the squad list, because the level of players that could go to the Olympics is spectacular," he said.

"They have been playing for big teams, have won the Europa League or been playing in finals.

"The Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience and I would like to be there. The people of Spain have been spoiled with triumphs recently but Olympic gold is a huge thing.

"To be in London with Spain would be a bit strange, but nice at the same time because it is the city where I live and I enjoy it. To see a completely different atmosphere would be something special."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17752/romeu_backs_torres_to_shine

Lescott ´gutted´ for Cahill

England defender Joleon Lescott says he is devastated for Gary Cahill after the Chelsea centre-back was ruled out of Euro 2012.

Cahill left the field at Wembley after colliding with goalkeeper Joe Hart following a push from Belgium’s Dries Mertens in England’s 1-0 victory on Saturday.

The former Bolton defender suffered a double fracture of his jaw and was consequently ruled out of the tournament, becoming the fourth player from Roy Hodgson’s squad to have to pull out of the competition.

Lescott replaced Cahill after 19 minutes and helped England record their second clean sheet under the tenure of their new manager. He now looks in prime position to partner John Terry in the heart of the defence against France on June 11.

The Manchester City defender revealed he was disappointment for his team-mate and believes Mertens should have been punished more severely than the yellow card he received.

Lescott wrote on his Twitter account: “Gutted to hear Gaz is ruled out.

“The challenge that caused it was more reckless and dangerous than most two-footed tackles so why only yellow?”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lescott-%c2%b4gutted%c2%b4-for-cahill/95848/

Chelsea close in on signings World Soccer Shop

Chelsea's summer recruitment drive may have gathered pace on Monday amid reports they were closing in on the signings of Eden Hazard and Hulk.

Hazard: Likely to complete Chelsea move

Belgium playmaker Hazard was said to be preparing for a medical ahead of an expected move from Lille, while it was suggested Porto forward Hulk had agreed terms with the European champions on a four-year contract.

Brazil star Hulk, who has been valued at £38million, has certainly seemed to pave the way for a potential transfer by hinting the time could be right for him to leave Portugal.

Asked what the future held for him, the 25-year-old told Lancenet: "I will always continue to work hard and keep my feet on the ground, regardless of whether I stay at Porto.

"I have won many titles in the past four years at Porto, and I think that I have a great relationship with everyone.

"If the time has come to move on, I'll do so with a good feeling. I have enjoyed a great time here.

"I'm sure that they will understand the motives behind my decision if I leave."

Hulk, who is contracted to Porto until 2016, added: "The club and its fans will forever have a place in my heart.

"I can only thank them for all the affection they've shown me."

Hulk would fill the void left in Chelsea's squad by Champions League hero Didier Drogba, while Hazard would take the place of Salomon Kalou, who is out of contract this summer.

It is almost a week since Hazard announced he had decided to join the Blues, who reportedly beat off competition from both Manchester United and Manchester City by offering the 21-year-old a reported £170,000-a-week, five-year contract.

Chelsea also look certain to attempt to sign a new right-back after allowing Jose Bosingwa to leave, with Ajax star Gregory van der Wiel having long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he would be tempted by an offer from the European champions, the Holland international told Sky Sports News: "Yeah, of course. It would be a beautiful club (to join).

"I watch a lot of football - English football, Spanish football - and they did not have the best season but still won the Champions League and that was a great performance."

Van der Wiel insisted he had yet to hear of a firm offer for his services.

He said: "I didn't hear anything from my manager, so they're just rumours, I think, and we will see in the future what comes."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17739/chelsea_close_in_on_signings

Torres hoping for trophy hat-trick

Striker Fernando Torres wants to follow up Chelsea’s Champions League and FA Cup success by winning Euro 2012 with Spain.

Vicente del Bosque’s side are the holders of the UEFA European Championships, and among the favourites again to win the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Torres, 28, netted the only goal in Spain’s 1-0 triumph over Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

And with his country’s all-time leading goal-scorer David Villa ruled out through injury, the pressure is on Torres to lead the line during the competition.

“I had a great end of season in which I collected two titles and I hope to win the Euro and put the cherry on the cake,” he said.

“Currently we are considered favourites for the Euro 2012 and we have a different kind of pressure. I have new hopes after a tough year for me.

“It’s not easy to be here, but what we want now is to maintain Del Bosque’s trust in us, play as much as possible and make a big contribution to the team.

“That’s what I’m here for. We have a collective target, not an individual one.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/torres-hoping-for-trophy-hat-trick/95838/

Lampard welcomes Hazard to Chelsea

Frank Lampard is excited about Eden Hazard’s transfer to Chelsea even before the move has been confirmed.

Lampard has admitted he has not seen much of the Belgian 21-year-old’s skills on the pitch but is still keen to see him in the blue shirt of Chelsea next season.

“It’s very exciting to hear the news,” Lampard said.

“I haven’t seen so much of him in French football but from everyone I speak to, who does play with him, we’ve been asking about him because he’s been so under the radar for a while, he’s a top player.

“A very, very top young player. If he can bring that youth and hunger and ability into our team, then he’ll be very welcome.”

The Chelsea midfield veteran should get a good look at Hazard on Saturday when England host Belgium at Wembley Stadium.

Lampard believes Belgium will provide the perfect final warm-up match for Euro 2012.

The likes of Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Marouanne Fellaini should play for Belgium on Saturday.

“I think they’re a very good team,” Lampard said.

“We were just talking at lunch about their quality players they have now.

“Belgium were not always maybe in recent years seen as one of the top nations but when you think of the quality players playing in England and around Europe at the moment in the team, then they’re going to be a very tough game.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lampard-welcomes-hazard-to-chelsea/95528/

Hazard denies attitude problem World Soccer Shop

Chelsea-bound Eden Hazard has dismissed concerns about his attitude and revealed he watches videos of other players to improve himself.

Hazard: Heading to Chelsea

The Lille playmaker, who has been courted by Europe's top clubs, revealed on Tuesday that he is to sign for Chelsea this summer despite rival interest from Manchester City and Manchester United.

Now 21, Hazard feels the time is right to leave French football behind and test himself at a higher level.

He admits he is far from the finished article, as he continues to study the games of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is confident he has the right attitude to succeed.

He said: "A lot of players watch videos of others. I'm not scared to say I watch videos of Messi and Ronaldo, I try and inspire myself from them.

"Great players inspire you. The best player I played with was Gervi (Gervinho).

"We didn't have the same qualities, but we both tried to make the difference. He taught me some things. He makes the right runs."

Hazard insists he has always given his all in an effort to be the best he possibly can be.

"I said I preferred playing rather than training. People interpreted that as me not wanting to work hard," Hazard added.

"That's false. I work seriously. It's helped me get to where I am now.

"Weight training and working on being explosive helped me gain a few yards of pace.

"Even when I was small I was stocky. Even if people pushed me I managed to stay on my feet."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17436/hazard_denies_attitude_problem

Ranieri named new Monaco coach

French Ligue 2 club Monaco have confirmed former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri as their new coach.

The 60-year-old, who had also been linked with the vacant managerial positions at West Brom and Fiorentina, has signed a two-year contract with the option for a third.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “AS Monaco are delighted to announce the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as coach.

“This appointment follows a search and a rigorous selection process during which Claudio Ranieri has clearly established itself as the best candidate for the position.

“He is now considered one of the best coaches in European football and brings to AS Monaco all the richness of his experience and achievements in football.”

Ranieri replaces Marco Simone, who was dismissed at the end of last season, despite guiding the club to a credible eighth-placed finish in the French second-tier, with the team bottom of the table upon his arrival last September.

The appointment marks a return to coaching for the Italian, who had previously endured a disastrous spell in charge of Inter Milan last term.

He was sacked in March after a dismal run of results left the club languishing in mid-table.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/ranieri-named-new-monaco-coach/95499/

Hazard tipped to be a Prem hit World Soccer Shop

Belgium playmaker Eden Hazard has been backed by his international team-mates to be a major hit in English football.

Hazard: Heading for Chelsea

Hazard looks set to join Chelsea from French side Lille after he wrote on Twitter on Monday evening: "I'm signing for the champion's league winner".

There has been no official confirmation yet from either club about any deal, but reports have suggested the 21-year-old, who has been rated at £32million, has agreed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Despite his Twitter comments, Hazard - likely to feature for his country against England in Saturday's international friendly at Wembley - was giving nothing away to the cameras today at Belgium's training camp in Liege, responding to a question about Chelsea by saying: "I do not speak English".

Other members of the Belgium squad - and ones who already have Premier League experience under their belts - were more forthcoming on the matter, though, with Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen expressing his confidence that Hazard will become a big favourite of English football fans.

Vermaelen told Sky Sports News: "He is a great player with a lot of special qualities.

"I think he is a player people go to the stadiums for.

"People will love him and love watching him playing football, so I think he is a good player for the Premier League."

Asked whether Hazard had sought advice from him about a move, Vermaelen said: "He didn't come to me for any advice. I think he has a lot of people around him, so they can give him good advice about which club he should go to."

Fulham's Mousa Dembele, an attacker like Hazard, feels his compatriot has the attributes to thrive in the English top flight - and any other competition.

"It is a good competition for him," Dembele said.

"I think he can succeed in every team because he is a fantastic player and I think they will like him very much in England.

"He has quality that not a lot of other players have and I think in every competition he goes, he will play very well - including the Premier League, even if it is the best competition in the world."

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who now faces the prospect of having to keep his fellow countryman at bay in the Premier League, admits Hazard will have a considerable weight of expectation to deal with, but expects to see him shine.

"I think Eden has the qualities and talent to play in England," Mignolet said.

"On his day, he can make the difference for his team.

"It is a big step from Lille to Chelsea and he is going to be under some pressure, especially with the money that has been spent, but I think he is a good player and if he is on his day, he can do a good job for Chelsea."

Hazard, who has been named Ligue 1's player of the year for the past two seasons, has become one of the most sought-after players in the game and has been linked with a host of European giants.

Manchester United and Manchester City looked to be favourites for his signature until Chelsea's surprise European Cup triumph last weekend.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17382/hazard_tipped_to_be_a_prem_hit

Hazard is heading for Chelsea World Soccer Shop

Belgium star Eden Hazard looks set to join Chelsea from Lille after announcing on Twitter: "I'm signing for the Champions League winner."

Hazard: Tweeted on Monday night

On Monday night, Hazard appeared to finally end speculation about his future by suggesting he had decided to sign for Chelsea next season.

The 21-year-old Lille playmaker had long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Hazard earlier continued to keep fans of several clubs in suspense by posting he had "made up his mind" who he was going to join but declined to name the team in question.

There was no official confirmation on Monday evening from either Chelsea or Lille that a deal had been reached over the signing of Hazard, who has been rated at £32million.

But reports in France suggest the Belgium star has agreed a five-year contract worth as much as £100,000 a week after tax.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17328/hazard_is_heading_for_chelsea

Torres to stay at Stamford Bridge

Fernando Torres will stay at Chelsea following talks with owner Roman Abramovich, whom he says has total confidence in him.

The Spaniard’s future was in doubt ahead of the meeting, with the striker unhappy at his treatment at the London club, but he is now likely to lead the Blues’ attack next season.

“I had a conversation with (Abramovich) and he trusts me,” Torres told BBC Sport.

“His confidence is total and that is what I needed to keep fighting.

“I would have liked to have played more for my club but the important thing is that everything works out in the end.”

Torres formed an important part of Chelsea’s Champions League-winning team, impressing at Camp Nou against Barcelona by scoring in injury time to seal a 3-2 aggregate semi-final win.

He has struggled to play a regular part in the side, however, due to the form of Didier Drogba, who recently announced that he would be leaving the club this summer.

After admitting that he had been through ‘some of the worst moments’ of his career last season, Torres will be now focused on the upcoming Euro 2012, having been included in the Spanish squad.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/torres-to-stay-at-stamford-bridge/95415/

Chelsea keep hold of Cech World Soccer Shop

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has signed a new four-year contract after admitting he is "really happy" at Stamford Bridge.

Cech: Signs until 2016 at Stamford Bridge

The Czech Republic international, who recently turned 30, is now tied to the Blues until 2016.

Cech joined the club in 2004, and has already played more games for Chelsea than any overseas player - 369 appearances which has seen him win three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two Carling Cups plus the Champions League after a penalty shoot-out in the final against Bayern Munich earlier this month.

Cech said: "I am really happy to be part of this great club for another four years.

"I hope the next four years will be as successful as the last eight years I have been at the club."

Cech made a series of crucial saves in Chelsea's victorious FA Cup and Champions League campaigns last season.

He saved Arjen Robben's penalty in extra time in the European competition final against Bayern Munich and two more in the shoot-out.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: "Chelsea fully appreciates the highly significant contribution Petr has made to the most successful period in the club's history, and it is very important to our aim of continuing this level of achievement that he has committed himself to the club until 2016.

"It is clear to anyone who watched the climax to the season just completed that Petr continues to perform as well as any goalkeeper in the world."

Over the course of his Chelsea career, Cech has kept 178 clean sheets, an astonishing 48% of the games he has played in.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17317/chelsea_keep_hold_of_cech

It was time to move on - Drogba World Soccer Shop

Didier Drogba says that winning the Champions League convinced him the time was right to leave Chelsea, and hopes fans understand the decision.

Drogba: Leaves the club with legendary status

The Ivory Coast striker, who scored the equaliser and then the winning penalty in Saturday's dramatic final win over Bayern Munich, announced that he is leaving the club to pursue a career elsewhere.

He departs Stamford Bridge with his reputation as one of the club's greatest-ever players firmly intact, but he knows it could have been so much different.

Ever since the 34-year-old joined the club from Marseille in 2004 they have been chasing the European Cup and, after so many near misses, Drogba's final kick for them earned them the prize they coveted so much.

Had he not have scored and Bayern gone on to win, he admits he may have been tempted to stay but, with all his loose ends tied up, he is moving on to a new chapter.

Speaking to Radio Five Live, he said: "I think winning the game was the key. Not me scoring the penalty. Winning the game was the turning point, that's why I have decided to say goodbye.

"We made the story together and I want people to remember that. This is the best time to move on.

"Yes, there's a chance that if the result was different, maybe I would be here.

"We were talking for many weeks, but the turning point was based on the fact I won everything I could and scored in most of the finals we have played, trying to make a difference. I hope everyone will understand. Everything I did was for the fans and I hope they understand."

Goalkeeper Petr Cech claimed he heard his team-mate crying after the final.

And, although he has been prone to emotional outbursts during his time in England, Drogba insists he was doing nothing of the sort.

He added: "I wasn't crying - I was talking to myself. I was crazy for a few minutes. I was saying that I wasn't going to cry, and that God is wonderful.

"I was saying, 'We have been chasing this for eight years, we have had a hard time, and she was difficult, but now I understand why. It is wonderful'."

Drogba's departure leaves Fernando Torres as Chelsea's main man in attack.

The Spain international is still finding his feet at the club, despite having been there for nearly 18 months following his £50million move from Liverpool.

Torres spoke of his unhappiness of being a fringe player in the wake of the final, but Drogba expects him to take up a more prominent role next term.

"It's been difficult for him, but he has showed he is the man," he said.

"Next season is going to be his season and I will try to speak to him. We have a good relationship. We don't understand why we didn't play together more, but that's the past. Torres is the future."

It been reported that Drogba's next move will take him to China to link up with former Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka.

He would not confirm that on Tuesday night, but did say that should Chelsea ever need him once his playing days are over, he will always be happy to answer their call.

"I would love to help Chelsea in any way, even if they tell me to come and cut the grass. I will do it," he said.

"Being here for eight years, it will be a big change. Players will go, some stay, but the club will remain as ambitious as it has always been. I am not worried. Chelsea was there before I came and always will be.

"It's impossible to forget this moment. Leaving Chelsea in any case would be difficult, but now even more. It is impossible, Chelsea is in my heart. My blood is blue and my heart even more so."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16944/it_was_time_to_move_on___drogba

Blues confirm Drogba departure World Soccer Shop

Chelsea have confirmed that Champions League hero Didier Drogba will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of June.

Drogba: Stamford Bridge exit confirmed

The 34-year-old Ivory Coast international has spent eight years at Chelsea, scoring 157 goals in 341 appearances, and helped the Blues win 10 titles.

One of those titles was Saturday's Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, where Drogba scored a late equaliser in normal time and then netted the winning kick in the penalty shoot-out.

More to follow...

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16919/blues_confirm_drogba_departure

Door still open for Drogba World Soccer Shop

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay insists the door has not been closed on Champions League hero Didier Drogba's Stamford Bridge career.

Drogba: Future unclear

It was reported in France on Monday that Drogba is resigned to leaving but Gourlay has kept the door open on him remaining.

Gourlay told Chelsea TV: "Conversations with Didier have been going on for months and still are.

"He's made it clear he loves Chelsea and loves everything he's achieved at the club."

Fernado Torres has expressed his unhappiness at what he sees as a lack of opportunities since his £50million move from Liverpool and Gourlay expressed some sympathy for the Spain international.

"Torres came on when we were behind and played a big part to help us win the Champions League," he said.

"I'd be surprised if Fernando, who's been awesome, didn't want more time on the field, every player does."

Chelsea have been linked with Radamel Falcao, Hulk and Edinson Cavani should they decide to end Drogba's time at the club.

Lille playmaker Eden Hazard, Sao Paulo's Lucas Moura and Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle are other reported targets if Abramovich decides to pursue a summer recruitment policy.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16898/door_still_open_for_drogba

Blues may wait over RDM deal World Soccer Shop

Roberto Di Matteo could be made to sweat over his Chelsea future until his contract expires, chief executive Ron Gourlay has admitted.

Di Matteo: Has done wonders at Chelsea

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is refusing to be rushed into making a decision about the club's next permanent manager, despite the clamour for caretaker boss Di Matteo to be rewarded for masterminding the greatest climax to a season in their history.

Reports suggest Abramovich would only be prepared to offer the Champions League-winning Di Matteo a one-year trial, something that would allow him to approach Pep Guardiola once the Barcelona boss completes his one-year sabbatical.

Gourlay told Chelsea TV: "We now need to sit down over the next week or two, or however long it takes, because we have to do what's right for the club.

"I know the fans will be pushing for Robbie.

"We're going to look at the season, look at what worked for us, look at the mistakes we made and put them right and take it forward."

Di Matteo's contract expires at the end of June and he is already being heavily

linked with several other vacancies after ending Chelsea's agonising wait for

Champions League glory - on top of their FA Cup triumph.

The likes of Aston Villa - his family home is in the midlands - as well as

former club Lazio, and even Liverpool, have been mentioned as possible suitors.

The Italian had been scheduled to play in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am golf tournament at Wentworth on Wednesday before flying to Barbados at the end of the week for the British Airways Football Legends Invitational on Saturday and Sunday.

He was then expected to take the family holiday he has craved ever since being handed the reins at Chelsea three months ago.

Di Matteo may want to know his fate before then, while the Blues are looking to have their next manager in place before they fly to the United States for a

pre-season tour on July 15.

Whether Di Matteo would accept a one-year deal - or even a longer one with the spectre of Guardiola looming over him were he to be offered a longer contract - remains to be seen.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16890/blues_may_wait_over_rdm_deal