Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Makelele slams exit talk

25 May 2007 - 07:28:15

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Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has moved to end speculation surrounding his future by insisting he is determined to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Makelele, 34, has been linked with a summer exit following the emergence of Lassana Diarra and John Obi Mikel.

Chelsea have also already bolstered their crowded central midfield area with the signing of free agent Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell.

However, the France international has denied reports that he is looking to move on after being mentioned as a possible target for Spanish side Villarreal.

"I have one year to run on my contract with Chelsea and I am not looking to leave," he told the club's official website.

"The comments that have been made on my behalf have not been authorised by me and the individual making them is not my agent."

The club added in a statement: "We have not had any offers for Claude and we are not looking for any offers."

Earlier in the week, Makelele's reported agent Jimmy Ladjemi told Spanish radio: "Makelele has a contract with Chelsea and we are going to wait and see what they will do for next season.

"We don't know what is happening. He has not sat down with Chelsea yet and he still has one year left on his contract.

"It is not surprising that many clubs want him. He is a very good player, but we are not allowed to talk to anyone until we see what Chelsea want to do."