Bridge pens long-term deal
15 Jul 2008 - 17:49:53
England international Wayne Bridge has ended speculation about his future by penning a new four-year deal with Chelsea.
The 27-year-old had been linked with a move to Portsmouth but his decision to stay at Stamford Bridge has delighted new Blues boss Luis Felipe Scolari.
The Brazilian said: "I am very pleased for Wayne that he has committed his future to Chelsea.
"I have been here only a few days but I have seen that he is one of the best professionals at the club. I very much like his playing style."
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon added: "We are delighted that Wayne has committed himself to Chelsea for the next four years. He is a key member of our squad and is relishing the challenge of the arrival of a new manager.
"We are fortunate at Chelsea that we have the two best left-backs in England and it is a source of pride for us.
"Wayne's new deal also underlines the club's commitment to maintaining a strong English core to our squad."
Bridge has started 116 matches since moving to Stamford Bridge from Southampton almost five years ago.