Chelsea have this afternoon confirmed that they will be appealing against the suspensions awarded by UEFA to striker Didider Drogba and right-back Jose Bosingwa, after the pair showed extreme and, in Drogba's case, publicly foul-mouthed dissent to referee Ton Henning Ovrebo.
The controversy occurred after the Champions League semi-final second leg between the Blues and Barcelona last season, in which the Londoners were beaten by a last-minute goal and had serveral penalty appeals waved away by Ovrebo.
The Ivorian was handed a six-match ban for his outburst, with the last two games suspended for two years, whilst Bosingwa, who reportedly branded the referee "a thief", received a four-match ban, with, again, the last two suspended for two years.
The club was also fined £100,000 (138,000 euros) for the players' improper conduct and the throwing of missiles by its supporters.
"We would reiterate that the players and the club are acutely aware of our responsibilities towards setting a good example as role models and upholding the values of the game.
"That is why honest and sincere apologies were made swiftly after these regrettable incidents occurred."
Chelsea continue to be linked with a high-profile move for AC Milan starlet Alexandre Pato in the English and Italian media.
However, the striker's compatriot, former Brazilian legend and three-time World Cup winner Pele, has advised the striker to remain in Serie A, rather than move to the Premier League.
"Pato is a great player for the future, but if I were him I would never leave Italy for England," he claimed, according to Goal.com Italia.
"That atmosphere would be more difficult for a player with his technique."
The 68-year-old was also confident that Leonardo will succeed as the new boss of the Rossoneri, despite this being his first head coaching role.
"I know Leonardo very well. He is very serious and knows Italian football by heart. He will be a good coach."
Pele has become infamous down the years for his wrong predictions, so Milan fans will be hoping that he is right about both Pato staying, and Leonardo becoming a fine coach.
Yuri Zhirkov has been linked with a move away from CSKA Moscow for some time now, with Chelsea and Barcelona both thought to be in the running for the player's signature.
The Russia international insisted earlier this month he had no knowledge of Chelsea's interest, but news daily Sport-Express reports that the 25-year-old defender, who can also play on the left wing, will fly to London on Wednesday to rubber-stamp a four-year contract.
It is believed that the signing of Zhirkov, who has been one of Europe's most sought-after players since his impressive displays for Russia at Euro 2008, will cost Chelsea a fee in the region of €20 million.
Former Chelsea manager Luis Felipe Scolari has stated that Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech were the main reasons he was sacked last season.
The Brazilian coach spent eight months at Stamford Bridge before being sacked by owner Roman Abramovich, and he has stated that the Blues players are too powerful.
The Blues began the season well under the former Brazil coach, but the team lost ground in the title race and Scolari was replaced by Guus Hiddink on a temporary basis.
Now though, Scolari has gone public and said that Cech, Drogba and Ballack were instrumental in his failure, as they refused to adhere to his training methods.
Speaking to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, Scolari said, "The real owners of football at the moment are the players. The coach, in most European clubs, has no strength to contradict them. "The people sacked are always the coaches. The main players already know this.
"That was my problem at Chelsea. Drogba, Ballack and Cech did not accept my training methods or my demands."
Meanwhile, the former Portugal coach has praised Brazil international Kaka for showing a calm head during his big money move to Real Madrid.
The former AC Milan star moved to the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this summer for a fee of £56 million, and Scolari feels the player has shown that he is a true professional, believing he will become good friends with Cristiano Ronaldo, who will finalise his move to Madrid on July 1.
"Kaka is a strange player, because of what he does, both on and off the field," Scolari commented.
"That guy is a strange jewel. Despite having gained big fame and money, he keeps doing his best on the pitch like a youngster.
"I am sure Cristiano Ronaldo and he will get on very well with each other. Cristiano has nothing to do with the conceited image everybody has of him. I think both of them will be big friends"
"Real Madrid's problem is Raul. He is already a veteran and he still is in charge of the dressing room."
Scolari is now reportedly managing in Uzbekistan with FC Bunyodkor, where former Brazil legend Rivaldo plays his football.
According to reports from the News of the World, Carlo Ancelotti has been given a massive €118m ‘welcome present’ as he looks to tweak the current Chelsea line-up to his liking.
With the former Milan coach has making no secret of his desire to bring former pupil Alexandre Pato to Stamford Bridge, it now seems Chelsea are ready to transform Pato’s current unsellable status with an indecent proposal of €60m.
After Milan reportedly turned down a monster offer from an unnamed English club earlier in the month, it remains to be seen how the Rossoneri will react to another assault from British shores.
However, given the way the Kaka saga unfolded, a re-consideration on behalf of the Milan club cannot be ruled out, in face of such riches.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed that he cannot wait for the start of the new season, and is looking forward to working with new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The former West Ham United player has stated that he is delighted to be working with his fourth Italian in the game, having in the past enjoyed time with Gianfranco Zola and Claudio Ranieri at Chelsea, and currently with Fabio Capello for England.
The England international has thanked the four Italians who have helped to shape his career, and believes that without them, he would not be the same player.
Ranieri signed Lampard from the Hammers for £11 million in 2001, and Lampard feels the move did him the world of good.
Speaking to Daily Star Sunday, Lampard said, "Claudio Ranieri was the big influence on my life when I was younger. He gave me the opportunity at Chelsea and I will never ever forget that.
"He brought a lot of players into the team and he's part of the history of the club.
"I love the man and I don't think I would be here today if it hadn't been for him.
"Gianfranco made a big impression at Chelsea as a player.
"It's true to say that I have always been impressed by the Italian culture and particularly their work ethic."
The 31-year-old will enter his ninth season in a Blues shirt this year, as the club try and go for a domestic and European treble in Ancelotti's first season in charge.
Despite a few legal problems with UEFA, Didier Drogba remains one of the more popular players on the planet and while on vacation, he keeps his duties as captain of the Cote d'Ivoire team, as well as his role as a UNICEF and FIFA ambassador, very close to his heart.
Already in Africa for the joint qualifiers of the next 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Drogba stayed a few more days to assist in Didier Agathe's jubilee and honor FIFA's invitation to come and watch the final of the Confederations Cup that will see Brazil and the United States fight it out. Just before that, the African superstar awarded the trophy in yesterday's final of the African Youth Soccer Cup.
This event was organised by the African Diaspora Forum, an NGO defending the interests of immigrants from 22 different African countries relocated in South Africa. The finale of the African Youth Soccer Cup took place in Johannesburg on Saturday.
After today's final, Drogba will get on the plane to Mauritius where he will join his teammates Ashley Cole and William Gallas, as well as French midfielder Franck Ribery and Samuel Eto'o for William Agathe's jubilee.
Chelsea are still pursuing their interest in Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, despite the German club's claims that he will not be moving this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The French midfielder has been the subject of much speculation this summer with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona and the Blues all reportedly after his signature.
Madrid are looking to add another Galactico to their collection, while United are reportedly chasing the France international as they see him as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who will move to Madrid on July 1.
But new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is looking to improve his squad ahead of the new Premier League season, and is looking to make the Frenchman his major summer signing.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich has stated that he will make the necessary funds available for Ancelotti to improve the team, as the pair gear up for a new revolution at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are also interested in veteran AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who could make the move to the Premier League, but have given up on Gennaro Gattuso, who is set to stay at the San Siro.
The club have also set more low profile transfer targets, with Ross Turnbull, Yuri Zhirkov and Daniel Sturridge said to be on their wish list.
The agent of Sergio Aguero maintains that he has not been contacted by Manchester United regarding the Atletico Madrid star.
Rumour has suggested the Premier League champions are set to use some of the profits from the forthcoming sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid to sign the Argentine.
Inter Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea have also been linked with Aguero but his representative, Jose Segui, insists he has yet to be approached.
"I have no information about this offer from Manchester United," Segui told Calciomercato.it. "I have not been contacted by anyone, nor by other teams.
"Inter? I have not had any conversations with them. Honestly, I don't know if Atletico have met other clubs."
Carlos Tevez remains uncertain where he will be playing next season, but claims he knew his days were numbered at Manchester United when Dimitar Berbatov arrived.
The Argentina international will join a new club ahead of the next season after rejecting a five-year contract with United, having spent the past two seasons on loan at Old Trafford.
Manchester City and Chelsea are understood to be admirers of the 25-year-old, but it remains unclear where he will start the new campaign.
Tevez, though, insists he was certain he would not stay with United following the signing of former Tottenham star Berbatov last summer.
"I am not sure where I am going to play, but I know for sure that it will not be at Manchester (United)," Tevez told TyC Sports.
"I did not feel supported after they signed Berbatov, because I was the man for the job he was bought to do.
"Ferguson told me not to be worried about Berbatov's arrival, but I did not like it when he started to put me on the bench often. I gave my life for the Manchester United shirt."
Chelsea are reported to be closing in on an £18million swoop for CSKA Moscow playmaker Yuri Zhirkov.
The Blues have been strongly linked with the player since the end of the season but now reports claim that Carlo Ancelotti is close to completing his first signing.
Barcelona had been keen on the 25-year-old but have since dropped out of the running leaving the way clear for Chelsea to swoop for the Russian international.
Reports claim the deal will be concluded on Monday as soon as the player passes a medical and agrees personal terms.
The France international has emerged as one of this summer's hottest transfer targets and heads the wish-list of a number of Europe's leading clubs including United, Premier League rivals Chelsea, European champions Barcelona and big-spending Real Madrid.
A move from Bundesliga appeared likely this week when the 26-year-old's agent revealed he had not given up on his hope of thrashing out terms with Bernabeu officials.
Staying put: Karl-Heinze Rummenigge says Bayern will not let Franck Ribery leave
However, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinze Rummenigge has reiterated that the Bavarian giants will not be railroaded into selling their prize asset and insist they want to build a team around him.
"Franck Ribery is irreplaceable," he told L'Equipe. "Real Madrid know our position: he is not for sale.
"That Franck wants to go to Real is not a surprise. It's a fascinating club and attractive on a financial level. But Bayern are not a bad club either.
"At our club the doors are solid and very resistant and we're not going to push up the bidding.
"Ribery figures among the best players of the world. And when you have a player of this quality among the squad you don't separate.
"We want to build around this player who (Bayern coach) Louis van Gaal absolutely wants under his command."
Deco last night accused Roman Abramovich of treating Chelsea as his 'toy' and showing a lack of respect to former Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The Portugal playmaker admitted he had a torrid year at Stamford Bridge following his £8m transfer from Barcelona last season and urged Inter Milan to end his nightmare when the transfer window opens on July 1.
'I had a difficult year,' said the 31-year-old. 'I arrived with 'Big Phil' (Scolari). Things started well but then I had many injury problems.
Crazy: Portuguese midfielder Deco moved closer to the Chelsea exit door last night after publicly criticising Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich
'I had many problems with the medical department and didn't feel I recovered right.
'Honestly, I did not like the experience at Chelsea. I'm looking for another club where I can feel good.'
Deco still has two years left on his contract but Inter sporting director Marco Branca this week held talks in London with a view to signing the midfielder and team-mate Ricardo Carvalho.
'I know Inter is talking to Chelsea,' he said. 'The president of Inter said as much. I would play there.'
'Rash': Roman Abramovich has come under fire for sacking Luiz Felipe Scolari
The former Porto player believes Chelsea owner Abramovich should have given Scolari more time rather than parting company with the Brazilian World Cup-winning coach in February.
'Chelsea are a special club,' he said. 'If "Big Phil" was perhaps at Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool, they respect the coach and give him time to work.
'You look at (Arsenal boss Arsene) Wenger, who for five years hasn't won anything. (Liverpool boss Rafa) Benitez has never won the English championship. 'Chelsea are different, a special club, who have a single owner and they are kind of his toy.
'Sometimes Abramovich makes decisions that go over the head of the director of football. The exit of "Big Phil" was rash.'
Chelsea are favourites to sign Charlton's £3million kid Jonjo Shelvey.
The England Youth midfielder, 17, (left) has also been watched by Arsenal, West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle since breaking into the Charlton first team.
Chelsea are also close to signing Boro keeper Ross Turnbull, 24, to add to their "homegrown" quota and will sign CSKA Moscow playmaker Yuri Zhirkov for £18m on Monday.
Andriy Shevchenko is looking for a new club this summer and the Chelsea-owned hitman has highlighted Roma as his favoured destination, according to his consultant, Donato Albanese.
"Sheva has already stated he would be incredibly happy to play with Roma. The negotiations would not be a problem," the player's consultant, told the Il Corriere dello Sport.
"There are other teams that want him, but before making his choice, he is waiting to see how this opportunity to join Rome pans out."
Shevchenko spent the past season on-loan at Milan ,but failed to make an impact, not even registering one goal in Serie A action. It is highly unlikely he will remain at Chelsea after his struggles during the past few years.
The 32-year-old's best years were with the Rossoneri from 1999-2006, when he scored over 170 times for the club.
French side AS Monaco have conceded that, due to the tight financial situation at the club, a bid for Chelsea-owned striker Andriy Shevchenko is out of the question.
"It has never been a topic," coach Guy Lacombe told Aujourd'hui Sport.
"Shevchenko is not a possibility for us. For a club like ours, it is impossible."
Monaco had been touted as the team leading the chase for Shevchenko's services, but it now seems that Roma are at the head of the pack, despite the striker's poor performances in the Serie A with Milan.
The Rossoneri themselves have ruled out signing the 32-year-old on a permanent basis, owing to Shevchenko's lack of goals at the San Siro last season.
However, with Monaco out of the running, it would appear that, if there is any substance to his link with Roma, he may be playing in the Italian top-tier again next season.
Real Madrid are considering entering the race for Chelseacentre-back Ricardo Carvalho, who is close to joining Inter, according to Tuttosport.
Inter director Marco Branca is reportedly in London trying to secure the services of the defender and Deco from the Blues, but los Blancos may thwart the deal after having failed to lure Maicon from the Nerazzurri.
After securing the services of Raul Albiol for Valencia, the Primera Division giants see the Portuguese as another good addition to their back-line, meaning Sergio Ramos would remain in the right-back position, while Carvalho would pair up with national team-mate Pepe in the centre, if he were to arrive.
It remains to be seen if the Merengues will make a bid in time to stop the Nerazzurri from acquiring the defender.
Carvalho spent a large portion of last season out with injury and has admitted he is open to offers after being critical of the medical care he was given by the English club. At Inter, he would reunite with his former coach Jose Mourinho.
Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdisso claims he has no desire to join Chelsea this summer.
Reports in Italy had suggested that the Argentina international could be used as a make-weight in an approach for the Blues' Portuguese centre-half Ricardo Carvalho.
However, the 28-year-old insists he has received no contact from Stamford Bridge and fully expects to be an Inter player next season.
"I have spoken to (Inter coach Jose) Mourinho, who told me that he is happy with me and that I have a lot to give to Inter," Burdisso toldcalciomercato.com.
"My relationship with Mourinho is excellent and I hope that it remains like that in the future.
"I have learnt a lot with him.
"Last season was a positive year for me and my wish is to remain at Inter.
Porto president Pinto da Costa has told Chelsea they must cough up big for defender Bruno Alves.
The Portugal international's father, Washington, has revealed that the defender is keen to move on this summer and is being chased by Chelsea and Barcelona.
Da Costa said: "He has a clause of £27 million. Could we convert this to a smaller amount? If he has a clause of £27 million agreed by Porto, the agent and the player, because that is the value of him."
Chelsea are among Europe's top clubs looking to sign Italy's World Cup winning playmaker. The Blues lost out on their move to bring Kaka to StanfordBridge last month but ex-AC Milan boss and new Blues’ manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is now looking to sign 30-year-old Andrea Pirlo from his old club.
Here’s a list of everything you need to know about the Serie A legend and World Cup winner.
1. Nicknamed ‘l'architetto’ (the architect) Pirlo was born on May 19, 1979 in Lombardy, Italy. He started his professional career in 1994 atBrescia before moving to Inter Milan where he struggled to pin down a first-team place and, as a result, was farmed out on loan to Reggina as well as his previous club Brescia.
2. Inter’s city rivals AC Milan snapped him up in 2001 and Pirlo, who likes to wear the No21, has since made 328 appearances scoring 39 goals, helped his team win the Champions league in 2003 and 2007, Serie A in 2004 and the Coppa Italia in 2003.
4. Pirlo helped the Azzurri, the Italian national team, win the 2006 World Cup. He was named man-of-the-match in three of the games, including in the final.
5. Renowned for his silky skills and clever passing, 5’9” Pirlo is part of arguably the strongest central midfield anywhere in the world, working alongside fellow World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso. Their mix of Gatusso’s power and Pirlo’s guile is an irresistible force.
6. He is considered one of the irreplaceable players at AC Milan and will be sorely missed if a move to Chelsea does go ahead. Whilst being a dictating general bossing from the centre of the park he is also a dead-ball specialist being first choice for free-kicks, penalties and corners. Last season he made 24 appearances scoring only two goals – a move could give his career the new lease of life it needs.
7. AC Milan have valued the Italian at £18m and are looking to sell him in an effort to keep the club profitable during the current economic downturn.
8. In 2007 Pirlo, whose signature goal celebration involves kissing his wedding ring, was nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year after a season winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup but narrowly missed out on the honour loosing to team mate Kaka.
9. The middle sibling of three, Pirlo is married to Deborah and they have a son Niccolo, six, and a daughter Angela, two. His idol has always been Italian legend Roberto Baggio.
According to English newspaper The Daily Star, Inter have not given up on signing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
Jose Mourinho has reportedly asked the Blues to give him an assessment of the Ivory Coast international, along with a price-tag ,as the Nerazzurri would apparently be willing to pay up to £23 million for his services.
The coach of the Serie A champions and the player have constantly stated their admiration for one another in the news, but have always been skeptical that a deal to bring the hitman to Inter would take place.
Drogba flourished under the guidance of Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge last season following the departure of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. He was especially effective in the Champions League, scoring key goals in Chelsea's run to the semi-finals.
The Nerazzurri have already brought in reinforcements up front this summer, signing Diego Milito from Genoa, as well as being on the verge of signing starlet Marko Arnautovic from FC Twente.
Alexandre Pato will be given a contract extension by Milan. Photograph: Antonio Scorza//Getty Images
Chelsea's summer of frustration in the transfer market deepened todaywhen Adriano Galliani, the Milan vice-president, said that Alexandre Pato will remain at San Siro while Valencia's David Villa, another to have attracted covetous glances from Stamford Bridge, ruled out a move to England.
Chelsea are among the clubs to have been credited with an interest in Pato, although they have not made an official offer. Carlo Ancelotti, who left Milan for the manager's job at Chelsea, helped to develop the Brazilian and might have welcomed his signing, but Galliani, said that the player will stay put.
"Pato will have his contract extension and we shall go from there," he said. "I don't think there are any other 20-year-olds in the world as strong as he is. In any case, no one should worry because Pato has a contract until 30 June, 2012.
"The only offer that we did get is a monstrous offer, from England," he added. "I won't say from who but it is for a player who is called Alexandre Pato and is newly wed." Galliani added that Milan had not received any bids for the midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
Villa has consistently stated that if and when he leaves Valencia it will be for another Spanish club. Barcelona are reported to have offered €43m (£37m) for him while Real Madrid want him, but not at that price. Villa said: "I have made a decision and that decision is that I will play in Spain next year. It is the league that suits me the best. I will not be going abroad."
Inter are confident that a deal will be struck for the Portuguese internationals but they will have to raise the offers they have made as Chelsea are determined to recoup money.
Carvalho, who has said that he wishes to join Inter, cost Chelsea £19.85m when Mourinho signed him in 2004; the Italians appear prepared to pay around €11m (£9.3m) for him. Inter believe that Deco, 32 in August and who cost Chelsea £8m when Luis Felipe Scolari was the manager, has little market value and therein lies the source of the impasse. Chelsea, meanwhile, are close to signing the left winger Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow.
So what seems to be a routine story every summer has been unearthed again today and its Drogba. Will he stay or will he go?. He says that he is "A bit tired about speaking about my future" ... well aren't we all for god sake!Unfortunatley what Didier fails to realise is that these stories appear in the press and will continue to appear in the press because of the fuel to the fire that he has added in previous summers when he is having a break away from Chelsea.
Stories have appeared in the past where he has been interviewed and has said that he "Isn't happy" at Chelsea, "Never really wanted to join" in the first place etc etc. So its slightly different this time that he has changed his tune after the problems he had earlier in the season and now he wants to stay as he is "Good at Chelsea".
Was nice to hear him speak about Hiddink and how "it was a lovely experience" and that he helped the team "bounce back". He also stated how he is looking forward to working with Carlo Ancelotti as "He has been brought here to win us titles, this is the reason why he has been appointed and everybody knows his trophy room is full as a Manager and a Player!"..
So this must mean he is off then! Let's wait and see!
So with Bosingwa being the number one last season and possibly moving to Bayern Munich, I have to ask you, "What about Paolo Ferreira?". He had his injury last season that kept him out for more or less the whole campaign but apart from that towards the end of Jose's reign, Grant's tenure and the beginning of Scolari's he fell out of favour.
I would like you all to remember that in our 2004/2005 & 2005/2006 Premier League winning season's Ferreira was a mainstay in our defence that consisted of Terry, Carvalho and Bridge. They were solid and Ferreira was as solid as anyone. But, for some reason he fell out of favour and never really established himself as a regular starter after that.
Essien was used in big matches at right back (and did well) but Paolo was overlooked. But, then again there could be something behind the scenes that happened that we will never know.
I am an admirer of Ferreira and still think he can do a job for Chelsea. He is still part of the Portugal National Squad and has often been used as a left-back with Bosingwa on the right. There are reports that Chelsea are interested in Maicon of Inter Milan but I still think that Paolo should be given another chance. Are do you think that he has had his time at Chelsea?
If Bosingwa goes, and with Ancelotti's endorsed reputation by David Beckham for his team being "the fittest in the league" this could be the chance he needs to take with both hands!
Great news today is that Florent Malouda has signed two year extension to his existing contract which had two seasons to run. Like the majority of you it didn't look possible that Chelsea would hold onto him half way into the season but he suddenly found his feet, and flourished under Guus Hiddink to become one of the most consistent Chelsea players in the run-in to the end of the season.
Malouda confirmed that he had put pen to paper on the improved terms during an interview while on holiday in his native Guyana. He told RFO: "It was a scoop I wanted to keep for Guyana. I did add two more years on my contract at Chelsea. I am now with Chelsea for the next three years. I have many contacts, I am always in the news when the market opens, so now you can tell the news all over the world - I am fine at Chelsea. We will go for the league and Champions League next season."
This is great news and we all hope that he keep his highly impressive form going into the new season. The search can be called off now for those of you looking for his "twin brother" who played since he first joined Chelsea up until 3-4 months ago. He seems to be long gone!
I couldn't believe my eyes and ears yesterday when reports appeared in numerous outlets of the Media and Press from Michael Essien's agent. The reported quote from his agent Fabien Piveteau is "He likes Chelsea very much but if Real Madrid, Barcelona or some other club make an offer he needs to discuss what is best for him."
There is no question in anyone's mind on this subject. We have to hold onto Essien. He has been amazing for Chelsea ever since he came to the club and it goes to show just how much we missed him when he returned from injury last season. His impact was instant, as if he had never been away. He is arguably one of the top athletes in the League and such an inspirational player. Let's just hope and pray that this is just
Chelsea were looking at the FC Twente highly rated forward Marko Arnautovic. But its almost 100% certain that he will sign for Inter Milan for £14m in the next few days.
Like I mentioned when I first reported this guy, I don't really know alot about him but he has caught Jose's eye so he definatley has got something about him. But, again is this another player linked to Chelsea that seems to of got away or was it just papertalk in the first place?
So its more or less confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti's first signing as Chelsea boss is Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City. Both side are unable to agree a fee and so the fee will be decided by tribunal.
So what do we know about Sturridge?.
According to Wikipedia:
"Sturridge was born September 1st, 1989 in Birmingham. He began his career at Aston Villa before moving to Coventry in 2002. He then move to the Manchester City Academy in 2003. The following season Sturridge was named Most Valuable Player in the Nike Cup (The worlds largest under 15's tournament).
At the age of 16 (2006) Sturridge starred in Man City's youth cup run and scored 4 goals on route to the final and another 2 in the final but they lost to Liverpool 3-2. The following summer Sturridge signed his first Professional contract.
The following season Sturridge became a regular training with the first team at City. He made his debut against Reading where he replaced Samaras for the last 15 mins. He made another substitute appearance later on in the season but then suffered a hip injury and kept him out for the rest of the season.
He scored his first goal for City in Jan 2008 and then his first league goal on his full debut against Derby County. However, first team opportunities were sporadic, so Sturridge continued to play for the youth team in the FA Youth Cup. Manchester City again reached the final, with Sturridge the leading scorer in the competition. This time City won the final, Sturridge scoring in the first leg. In the 2007–08 season, Sturridge became the only player ever to score in the Youth FA Cup, the FA Cup and the Premier League in the same season.
As of May 1 2009, after 16 appearances in the 2008–09 Premier League season, Sturridge has scored four goals and provided three assists. At the End of the 2008/2009 season, the Manchester City Fans officially voted Daniel Sturridge as the Manchester City Young Player of the Season."
So he comes to Chelsea with some Premier League experience but does this mean he is now one step ahead of Di Santo? Will Di Santo go on loan to Blackburn for a season now that Santa Cruz has moved to City?.
Is this really Ancelotti's first signing of Frank Arnesen's?.
