Atholy

Although he's a great CB. I don't think we need to go for every good CB out there. IF we are going to spend some money... we might as well consider Kompany or Chiellini. Maybe we can ask JT if he has a little brother

I hope you all realize what this transfer means (probably not because this a 15 year old... and who follows these young kids ). But Charly Mussonda Jr. is the most talented -16 of whole Europe. Every international youth tournament he played in, he was chosen the best player. Mussonda is seen as the biggest talent Belgium has for over 30 years!!! And yes... this statement comes from the same people that said Eden Hazard will be the next big thing when he just turned 15 and started playing at Lille. Mussonda is without doubt and even bigger talent than Hazard. The deal involves all 3 brothers (Tika & Lamisha) to come over to Chelsea. This was a strict demand by their father Charly Mussonda (former Anderlecht CM himself from 1987-1997). It is certain that we actually only wanted the youngest Mussonda. So I won't expect the older brothers to ever become part of the first team (although you never know). Interesting trivia: It's has been very close of none of the three Mussonda brothers would ever been born. Their father was called up for a world cup qualifier with the Zambian national squad in the ealry '90 s. Anderlechts Manager asked him to stay in Brussels to play an important game with Anderlecht that weekend. Mussonda stayed in Brussels... the whole Zambian national team died in a plane crash that weekend. Anderlecht was REALLY planning to keep the youngest Mussonda in Brussels. Offers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, both Milan's clubs were denied. The fact we could sign him has to be seen as very unique and special! The contact with Anderlecht must be good after the story of Lukaku, which is a good thing! Dunnot underestimate the impact of Lukaku in this story. Both fathers (Mussonda & Lukaku) are closely connected following their sons following their footsteps in belgian football at Anderlecht. GREAT signing for the club. As an Anderlecht fan I'm very disappointed that our club was not able to keep Europe's biggest young talent in our ranks. But I'm very happy to see him at Chelsea... where I can follow him up closely for the rest of his career!

His manager's reaction on the loan to Southampton: "Southampton? Nonsense! There has been no contact with any other club than Chelsea. I just got a phone call from Chelsea and they expect Kevin to be present at the club on July the 4th. I hear a lot of rumours about possible transerfs. French press recently announced the interest of Lyon. But I can assure you that all this is nonsense. Certainly also the story about Southampton. When Chelsea decides to loan him out, only then we will sit together around the table to look for a decent team for Kevin. But I can tell you that at the moment, a loan is not at order!"

I read a few members are charmed by Axel Witsel (Benifca, former Standard de Liege player). Question often is.. Would he be able to play with Hazard/Mata in midfield. Well here is an example about the teamplay between Hazard & Witsel in a game against the USA with our national squad (and also a good chance to follow Hazard's capabilities from up close in a recent game): Hazard: Nr 7. Witsel: Nr. 10, yellow shoes and a small 'fro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVG6TsPtawM

He stated in DH (dernière heure very reliable new source from the French part of Belgium): "Everyone knows that 10 is my number of preference. But this number belongs to another great player at Chelsea (Juan Mata), so I chose number 17 instead." Anecdote from the players tunnel in the game England vs. Belgium: JT came to me and said that I should take it easy on the England team. I gave him a wink and said 'No Problem'.

Reliable belgium news sources are reporting AC Milan are in pole position to attract Witsel! Witsel has a buy off on his head of €40 million but AC Milan is negotiating about a €5 million offer with the switch of LB defender Taiwo (former Marseille player) to Benfica as part of the deal. Keep you updated!

He surely has a really deep voice for being such a little man

Interview on the French radio You have been in London for the last few days... Are you already adapted? He needs to adapt => been in london for a few days now to try it out. The weather is even worse than in the nord of france but he likes it a lot. UK as competitor against france? How are the chances of France... you played against them this weekend. In his opinion Begium played better football but England have quality players... had a great defense and also good counter football. Even rooney who was only on the field for the last 20 minutes was very present. France will find it difficult to win against them at the EC. But he saw a game of the French national team a while ago and he was impressed with the first half. If they play like this against England... They have a good chance to get something! Until now Interviews were ignored. How do you feel? Very good, calm... He let the hype happen but tried not to focus on it. He is already in vacation mood. 1 month of vacation now and he wants to relax. Why did you choose Chelsea and not Real, Barcelona? He wanted to go to England. He likes a lot the project that was presented to him by the Chelsea board ... old players left, new players will come in. He feels confident that he can find a good spot in the team and help to increase the level of the team next season. He also said he wanted to be sure to play. This was not the fact in Barcelona and Madrid and because he is still young, he needs gametime. That was also very important in his choice for Chelsea. Als as winners of the champions league they are qualified for the next CL => would be VERY important in his final decision! He tells that he had very good talks with Lukaku about Chelsea. He told him that the atmosphere is great and that it's a very good and nice club. Very nice management & players. Furthermore also the contact Hazard had with the some french speaking players at Chelsea was very positive! First you were going to Manchester. Why did you change your mind? Chelsea were far in the leagues table => no CL next season. Something he really set himself as a condition for his new club. He was in contact with both Manchesters... and they had interesting offers for me. But with the European Titel and the certainty to play CL next season... things fell into place again for Chelsea! He already had dinner with Roman and had a very good talk. He liked the ambition Romans shows and his plans for the future.. The ambition is big and Eden wants to be part of it! Where will you play next season? Wing or in the CAM position. Not really talked about that with RDM... They will see what position he likes best and see what the future brings. He is open for all positions. Do you think RDM will stay? I have absolutely no idea. Why not PSG, because you were linked with them a lot? It's a big club, nice city... but I have seen it in France for a while. Never been contacted directly by PSG eventhough media were telling that a lot. What do you need to be a future Ballon d'or? He feels that he needs to be part of a team that plays at the hightest level every week. He himself has to play good football week in/ week out... also in Europe and with the Belgian national team. Are you ready to fight for you spot at chelsea? Because the competition will be fierce! Absolutely... he feels ready to go for it and fight for his spot. Of course it's football and everything can change very quickly... but he feels confident to show himself in the pre season and gain a spot in the first team when the season starts. Conclusion and some nice words for Lille and France in general. He had 5 very good years at Lille. He finds it a pity that he cannot discover the new stadium... But he hopes to discover it soon.. maybe in another jersey. He also tells that the Bridge is also a very nice stadion... that's what players like... playing in great stadions! Will you come back to the French championship someday? Maybe someday yes. OK all the people who were doubting his signing for Chelsea... I think you have an answer by the guy himself! The Bridge => Garden of Eden

Interview is just announced to be in 10-20 minutes: http://www.rmc.fr/front_office/player.html I will give you a translation. Keep you posted!

So I reach you my hand to end the discussion and yet you think it's necessary to throw some more oil on the fire ... . Fair enough dude! 1- With a mentality like that you only support the star players. Easy to do so... But you know sometimes new blood has to find a way through because the old stars are gone... Do you really think the club is managed by absolute idiots how pay 18m for a kid they saw playing rather good football? He's not a guy for the Academy... he's way too good for that. He needs gametime... nothing more, nothing less! 2 - Well than I would recommend you to read more! And who are you to tell me where to write?? I'm not biased... I'm a fan! And since I know him way better than you do. I think it's needed to stay in this topic as longs as I read this total b*llshit about him! But you are right in one way though... I'm not active in topics about Brazilian players. Not even in the Neymar topic (where everyone has an opinion about). And you know why? Because I don't know these guys so who am I to judge them. I have the attitude to only write something when I have something useful to say. Clearly something you need to learn!!!

You're right. I was a little bit to fast to add your name to my post. My bad mate!

I don't feel like going into an endless discussion with you Henrique. As stated before... I said you have absolutely the right to have your own opinion. The only thing that I really don't like is that I feel your opinion is based on very little info. I accept critics about him... no problem. I'm the first to admit he has to improve on different points of his game! But you know what this guy actually need? A fair chance. And that is the only thing that he didn't had so far! I think that Torres & Shevchenko had a little more minutes to prove themselves! I don't say you are a chelsea hater... I say you are a Lukaku hater (bet then again... you have the right do so if you want. You can only expect a little more support for ALL Chelsea players if you are, like you say, a true Chelsea fan for more than 10 years). The things you say about joining a lukaku forum and the fact that I don't support the club... *sigh* i'm not going to answer that... I've passed the age of 6 quite a time already. Just go and read some of my other posts if you only think I'm in the Lukaku thread. To conclude... Let's cut the crap... Lukaku will go on a loan next season. I'm pretty sure he will impress everyone (even you )! And in two years we will laugh about the fact we had a discussion about him when he scores another important goal for the club!

Not a really good game by our belgian players so far (compared to what we can do). There is so little pace... seems they are all tired already! This line up is actually a first time test (dunno why we want to do that against England on Wembley). But you can clearly see what our problem is... We give away a lot of stupid goals! Give us a good RB & a good LB + Kompany on CB & a world class striker... and we have full potential to win some prices. IMO Wilmots has to bring Lukaku for at least 30 minutes.

Haha! With all these Belgians finding their way to the bridge... I'm afraid you ain't got rid of me yet !!

A loan would probably be the best option. I'm sure if he gets gametime in another EPL team... Chelsea will be begging to get him back in winter. Lukaku just needs some games... once he scored his first goal in EPL, his confidence will get a boost!!! btw: did you notice who gave him the assist on his first goal ?

My team is Anderlecht. In the EPL it has always been Chelsea in European games. Since last year with Lukaku's move... I also started to follow us in all the EPL games. The fact that now even more of our best talents will be playing at the Bridge makes me feel very excited!

He could at least have taken off the -30% tag before letting the (future) legend sign it

It's Brussels Airport

*sigh* I will not try to convince you all about the person of Romelu once more. Clearly Henrique & Fernando are haters... You have the right to do so... but please don't tell nonsense. If you guys are honest... you actually now almost nothing about him! So don't give us these tabloid nonsense mixed with your own version to brake him down. I've seen him play for years... even talked with him a few times at the players room in Anderlecht after the games. This guy is an amazing humble, straight forward and extremely nice person. His emotions are real... and he's one of the few football players these days that still know what Club Love is! He did not tell a single thing to English press during the year... He came from Anderlecht where he was the main man at age 16(!!!), the leagues topscorer and had a huge part in winning the championship trophy & the cup. Imagine you get a transfer (for 12 million!!) to the club of your dreams and then in the end are asked to play at cobham every weekend with only some first team players chilling as a crowd! Furthermore he did not play ALL reserve games.. but only a few. That means that all he did was train, train, train... But he did not complain did he? His subs where to laugh about really.... no play time against smaller clubs but against United, Everton, Arsenal & Liverpool.... AVB dropped him on the pitch. I mean what was this guy thinking ... especially since he got put on the Right Wing???!!! That is like putting Torres as a DM! The rest of his subs were like 2/4 minutes... It's not like he claimed he needed gametime. He knew that with Drogba, Anelka & Torres as strikers... things would be difficult for him to play. But with Anelka off to China... Drogba & Kalou to the ACN... and Torres in a dramatic form... Lukaku was fully right to expect to get some gametime!! And you know what he got? He even didn't had a spot on the bench anymore... I mean... Do you guys have any idea what this kid can do? He's a massive attacker. Give him 4 starts in a row and you will see what he can do and will win the hearts of every fan out there. If we Belgians say he's one of greatest talents we have now... I think 10 years ago that opinion would've been unimportant! But look at our current generation of football players... Pure gems... and Henrique I'm thinking you might wanna fear those guys for 'stealing' the World Cup away from your compatriotes in Brazil '14!!! One more thing... Lukaku's debut. Mata scored in this match (also his debut) but actually could(should?) easily have given the assist to Lukaku who was wide open in front of goal. How different this season would have looked liked if Mata had given him this debut's goal. It's in small things in life!!

Diver? Baiter? Diva... No no no... None of them all! He's a guy that gives his 110% every single second his on the pitch. And like I've posted before in this topic considering diving: Let's put it this way... Eden will probably be lame and suffering a broken back because 28% of his game time he's running really fast with his face straight to the ground, his back in a 90° position... and his feet giving everything in order for him not to fall! Like this: Unless he is in the box though. He likes to smell the grass there As it comes to his on pitch behaviour (also already in this topic): The thing I like the most about him and that also tells a lot about his character on the pitch: Hazard has 160 offical appearances so far in which he only took 16 yellow cards!! Knowing he's been Europe's most fauled on player... this tells a lot about his mentality and composure on the pitch! Nothing like 90 minutes of complaining every time you get of push or something doesn't go well like CR7... but keeping his cool and continuing his own game and let the opposition take the cards... reminds you of someone? That's right... Lionel Messi !!

This is actually a special video. It show the highlights of his game against Lyon in 2009. This was the game where whole of France discovered the "small belgian guy/ le petit belge" as being quite amazing & talented for the very first time! At only the age of 18(!!) he single handedly decided the cup game against the League's TOP team Lyon. With 2 assists and a beauty goal, Eden was very dominant in this game... what was more or less the first thing that France saw of him. Since that moment... where he showed touches of pure brilliance... Hazard has been shining every single week! Making Lille champions for the first time since 1954 + becoming the League's best player & even better confirmed the previous year with another best player in the league award and Lille ending in the TOP 3 (which is a massive performance by a 'small' team like Lille in the Ligue 1!

Good post! Exactly what I've been trying to do with all my posts in this thread... convincing everyone that the media made a very bad image(wrong!!) of him. As you said indeed... Just take a look at the video... + the video of his last game against Nancy ( http://dai.ly/K4ogIK ). It's literally EVERYONE is saying goodbye and wishing him all the best for the future (opponents as well). It's actually a shame to say, but where in modern football does it happens that a player leaves and get a standing ovation or a clear thank you message from the fans? Unfortunately most of the time players who are leaving are booed off by the same fans that were thinking the world of them 2 weeks before!! I'm afraid this is the modern day football fan + the fact that you don't have that many typical Club Icons anymore (like there used to be a lot in the '90). The money have ruined a lot! But honestly I cannot think of a player that was recently given the say thank you and farewell exit than Hazard got at Lille in his final game. That simply tells he must have been in the heart of all of these fans! And in a few months time... maybe he can reach the same with us Chelsea fans! He's very special... trust me! You will enjoy his game a lot... He's the kinda guy that makes you wanna see the game live... He's the guy that get's you out of your couch on a lazy football afternoon by doing amazing things on the pitch! He has a lot to bring... and I'm very sure he will deliver it very shortly!! Only think I hope... (with all this bullsh*t in the media last weeks) is that England fans will not Booe him off the pitch on saturday. I can imagine the City + United fans not really want to cheer him now.... But remember he's only 21 years old and a shy Belgian guy. When he gets yelled at by a packed stadium of 90.000 fans... this can have a serious impact on his progression in the first months. On the other hand... IF he will be cheered at... he will play like with wings... and the magic can already start this saturday!!

Le Soir is the most reliable newspaper of the French part of the country. If it's in there... they will most likely have good sources. But I also cannot find anything on their website... maybe it's just in the newspaper itself. Will keep you posted!