Jose cools Robben exit talk
18 Jul 2007 - 08:12:00
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- Jose cools Robben exit talk
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has played down reports suggesting Arjen Robben will leave the club before the start of the new season.
The Dutch winger has spoken of his unhappiness with the progress new contract talks at Stamford Bridge have been progressing and hinted that he could sign for Real Madrid this summer.
The arrival of Florent Malouda at Stamford Bridge earlier this month has intensified the speculation but speaking after his side's 1-0 win against Suwon Bluewings, Mourinho said: "The latest with Robben is that he played the game. I cannot tell you more than that.
"At the moment he is a Chelsea player with two more years of contract and he is working well.
"For me, he is a player like (John) Terry or (Frank) Lampard with two more years of a contract.
"I look at him as a Chelsea player and he has to compete against very good wingers like we have. I am happy with the situation.
"The club wants to keep the players, to do everything. I trust the board and (chief executive) Peter Kenyon in the negotiations he is doing.
"I know the players want to stay. I want the players and would be happy if they signed new contracts.
"The club have the right to say 'this is our limit'. The players have the right to say 'if I don't like the contract I don't sign it'. I have no problems with the club, I have no problems with the players.
"As a coach, I just think if they have a contract then they are Chelsea players and I look at them the same as a player with five or six years contract.
"I keep saying, I play the players who deserve it more. Of course, I would love the club to sign a new contract with them but I have no problem with that. I am with the club and the players. I have to be independent in this situation and be honest with them both."