Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Jose Mourinho

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Sheva denies Jose role

25 Sep 2007 - 14:03:43

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Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has denied being a major factor in the recent departure of manager Jose Mourinho from Stamford Bridge.

Shevchenko's alleged close association with Blues owner Roman Abramovich has been cited as one of the reasons behind Mourinho's shock exit, but the Ukraine ace has denied such suggestions.

He told the Daily Express: "I was as shocked as anyone that Mourinho left. It was as much of a surprise to me as any of the players.

"But to say it is anything to do with me is silly. Mr Abramovich and I talk but no more than any other player at the club. In fact, other players talk to him more than I do.

"I speak Russian to Mr Abramovich, of course, but that is because it is our mother tongue. No-one else at the club speaks it, so it is natural.

"There is no more to it. It is not true that we are close friends. He is the owner of the club and I am a player, it is as simple as that."

Shevchenko, 31, has struggled to find top form since his £30million move from AC Milan, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances for the Blues.