English Premiership
Malouda an outcast at Chelsea
2012-09-06 07:56
London - Chelsea's out-of-favour French winger Florent Malouda on Wednesday revealed that he has been banished to train with the Stamford Bridge reserves after failing to earn a move away from the club in the summer.
Malouda announced via Twitter that he would be keeping fit with the Chelsea youth squad as he posted a picture of the headquarters of the club's under-21 side, along with the message: "This is where I'll train for my last season with the blues !!!"
The 32-year-old, who was linked with a return to former club Lyon before the transfer window slammed shut in France on Tuesday night, has not featured in any of the Blues' matchday squads this term and has been left off their list of players for the Champions League group stages.
A transfer to Brazilian giants Santos reportedly collapsed earlier this summer due to the wage demands of the French international, who has been with Chelsea since 2007 and has a year remaining on his deal.
Malouda's former team-mates Nicolas Anelka and Alex were also banished by former boss Andre Villas-Boas last season, before eventually leaving for Shanghai Shenhua and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
Meanwhile, Ryan Bertrand, the man who has effectively replaced Malouda in Roberto Di Matteo's squad, has signed a new five-year deal with the club.
The 23-year-old became the first man ever to make his Champions League debut in the final itself in May when he was selected ahead of Malouda.
He also made his England debut in August's friendly win over Italy and kept his place in the squad for Friday's opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova.