Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Makelele pens Blues deal

20 Aug 2007 - 14:47:52

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Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2009.

The 34-year-old had less than 12 months remaining on his existing contract and would have been able to discuss a free transfer move away from the club in January.

However, Makelele will now remain with the Blues until he is 36 years old following the successful conclusion of new contract talks.

The former Real Madrid midfielder joined Chelsea in the summer of 2003 for £16million and has gone on to make 183 appearances.

However, he has yet to make an appearances during the opening three games of the new campaign and was an unused substitute during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

During his time in England, the defensive midfielder has won two Premier League titles plus two Carling Cup and one FA Cup winners' medals.

Makelele has also represented France at two World Cups and was part of the side that lost last summer's showpiece final on penalties to Italy.