Share

Malouda pleads for new deal

London - Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has urged the club to offer him an extension to his contract amid speculation the French international could be sold in the summer, it was reported on Saturday.

Malouda's current deal at Stamford Bridge runs until 2013 but the 30-year-old is keen to add another year to the contract, saying he wants to emulate the longevity of Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs.

"I just want to feel I am important at the club," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"Sometimes I don't feel so when I see in the media that the club are thinking of selling me, and I know I'm doing great.

"I want to be the Ryan Giggs of Chelsea! I want to extend my contract by one year until 2014. The club have been saying that because I am over 30, I have to wait until the last year of my contract to speak about an extension. Questions come into my mind. Do the club want me to stay?

"I am waiting for a signal from the club. I am much appreciated by the coach. But I need support from the club as well."

Chelsea have only a faint hope of overhauling United in the title race and face a trophyless season, one year after winning a Premier League and FA Cup double.

Despite the disappointing campaign, Malouda has dismissed suggestions that manager Carlo Ancelotti should be fired.

"It's unfair," Malouda said of the speculation surrounding Ancelotti.

"He's one of the greatest managers. He's good tactically. He's brought stability to the club, won the double at the first attempt.

"Because we are now out of three competitions and six points behind United, people outside are saying Chelsea should change everything. But all the big clubs have stability.

"Everybody seems to want to put pressure on Ancelotti but he's really cool. He knows the squad support him. That's the most important thing for him.

"I want Ancelotti to stay. Players come and go but the manager is the key. We can win the Champions League under him one day."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1223 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1419 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2154 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE