Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Makelele leaves Blues for PSG

21 Jul 2008 - 10:02:21

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Veteran midfielder Claude Makelele has ended his five-year spell with Chelsea after being handed a free transfer and signing for Paris St Germain.

The 35-year-old Frenchman joined the Blues in a £16.6million deal from Real Madrid in 2003 and made 217 appearances in all competitions during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Makelele made 36 appearances last season as first Jose Mourinho and then his successor Avram Grant opted to play the veteran in just the club's key matches.

The former Nantes, Marseille and Celta Vigo midfielder started last season's Champions League Final and won two Premier League titles during his time with the club.

However, he has now left Chelsea after the Stamford Bridge club released a statement confirming they have handed the recently retired France international a free transfer.

Makelele, who retired from international football for a second time after France's disappointing showing at Euro 2008, will be unveiled by the Ligue 1 side on Monday afternoon.

"Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Claude for the service he has given us," said a club statement.

"Claude has been a key part of our trophy success and we wish him well for the future.

"He will always be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in the future either as a player or friend of the club."