Cudicini - Fans Made Me Stay

[the wes 7,212]

Carlo Cudicini has revealed the main reason he is still at Stamford Bridge is due to the fantastic support he has received from the Chelsea supporters.

The Italian keeper has found himself in the shadow of current number one Petr Cech since the Czech international's arrival in London.

Cudicini admitted the arrival of both Cech and Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2004 has seen him fall down the pecking order, however he paid tribute to a man he describes as 'the best in the world' in his position.

"I didn't have a great pre-season and that was when Petr impressed the manager and he decided to give him the first game of the season against Manchester United, which for me was a great shock," Cudicini told the club's official website.

"From then Petr played well, he deserved to be in the team and he is the best goalkeeper in the world."

Despite finding himself a regular on the substitutes' bench the 34-year-old admits his frustration has been eased by the fantastic support he receives from the Blues faithful.

"The supporters are probably one of the biggest reasons [i stayed]," said Cudicini.

"Of course it was difficult to sit on the bench every game but when I had the chance, the supporters gave me great confidence and help.

"Still now when I play I hear them behind me, chanting my name - after nine years I feel shivers and a great feeling when I play."

[SuperSheva7 0]

awww, we love ya Carlo He is a great 2nd choice, any other team would be dying to have him. great loyalty

[the wes 7,212]

Cudicini will always be remember by Chelsea fans

[True_Blue 469]

One of my all time favourite Chelsea players.What a brilliant keeper,how many times has he saved us its unbelivable.Thanks for the memories Carlo,hope he stays with us until the end of his career true Legend.

[Ollie 4,400]

yeah i agree with that. On his day, he was awesome. His spring and agility made up for his lack of height in a way, i remember the saves from Jamie Redknapp against tottenham from the free kick and an awesome save from van nisterlrooy at old trafford from a header i think, finger tips. Was also a fantastic penalty saver (saved 3 in 5 in 01/02 i think). Only crosses were his dodgy point (just look at the Leicester CC game) but that was purely height. A few more inches and he couldve been the very best (hope his woman doesnt say that to him tho).

[BlueLion. 21,491]

The best £160,000 Chelsea have ever spent. What a piece of vision to sign him from a Serie C side.

[bombayblue™ 55]

in 2004/05 season when cech came, united would have signed him in a heartbeat, just shows how good he really was..

[Steve 10,227]

what a loyal player and servant for the club a all time legend im so glad he is still with us even though i would still like to see him have more game time we could not of asked for more from him

[Bandicoot 3]

Brilliant keeper, ok he's had his off days (Leicester CC), but all keepers/players have their off days.

Without a doubt the best back-up keeper in the league.

Loyal servant to the club, true Chelsea Legend.

[Mungii 3]

We will always love Carlo he is such a great goalkeeper and he deserves our support..

for me LEGEND""