Claude Makelele

[the wes 7,212]

Chelsea are ready to discuss a new contract with veteran midfielder Claude Makelele. Paris sources say Blues management want the 35 year-old to go round again next season and are preparing a new deal for the French veteran.

[EskWeston 696]

Blimey!!! I wonder if they fancy him staying around in a coaching role?

[Elliott 7]

Well if he's up for it, why not!

[Fulham Broadway 16,869]

His fitness is still there, so a new 1 year contract would be realistic. Hes definitely one for 'big' games, but his sharpness/concentration seems to lapse in some recent games, coincidentally with the arrival of the Special Needs One.

[Ollie 4,400]

He still looks as good as ever to me so theres no reason to retire if he can still do the job.

[EskWeston 696]

I would agree Maka has been class again this season. Played more games than he thought he would or even should have. Could definately do another season, although this time it WOULD mean playing a lot lot less.....

[kbchel 2]

yup

a big game player....like drogs

[Steve 10,227]

im sure he could do another season it will be tough but even if he is not playing he can always help out with coaching and other things around the club

[Mungii 3]

It wll be perfect to have Maka for another season!!...really perfect! and he is still good enaugh to play and we need to have hope that Mikel will be good as him after 2 years-

[EskWeston 696]

It wll be perfect to have Maka for another season!!...really perfect! and he is still good enaugh to play and we need to have hope that Mikel will be good as him after 2 years-

I don't think Mikel will ever be the same sort of player as Maka, Mikel offers us something different in that position.

Would be nice to have Maka stick around and even better to keep around in a coaching capacity long term..

[pippin 0]

this a a good move by the club ... hopfully he will progress to a coaching role

[the wes 7,212]

the famous penalty lol

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I love the way Carlo runs up the pitch

A rolling contract would be best I feel, with the view to become a coach. He is a true Chelsea hero.

[Laylabelle 9,360]

Awwww Maka we loveees you!

[Steve 10,227]

hahaha that penalty was so funny good work maka lol

[EskWeston 696]

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has agreed to move to Paris Saint Germain, according to French radio station RMC.

The news will be a surprise to the Stamford Bridge fans as, despite being a veteran, the 35-year-old has been a popular and key figure for Chelsea in the last five years.

The Parc des Princes outfit approached Makelele for the first time in summer 2007, but the midfielder decided against returning to France.

It appears the former France star, who announced his international retirement following Les Bleus’ elimination at Euro 2008, is ready to embark on a final challenge with PSG.

Paris’ new president Charles Villeneuve wants the club to bounce back after two catastrophic seasons and signing domestic stars Makelele and Lilian Thuram is reportedly his priority.

An announcement is yet to be made by Chelsea or Paris Saint Germain, who were unavailable for comment when contacted by setantasports.com.

It has also been reported that France reserve Jimmy Briand, currently playing for Rennes, has also agreed a summer move to PSG.

Source: Setanta Sports

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Wow, that does come as a surprise. Fantastic player over the years for us, but he really is past his best unfortunately. Mikel and Essien have effectively replaced him, but he is a Blue legend and I shall miss him should he leave.

[EskWeston 696]

Wow, that does come as a surprise. Fantastic player over the years for us, but he really is past his best unfortunately. Mikel and Essien have effectively replaced him, but he is a Blue legend and I shall miss him should he leave.

It is a very suprising story. Although i do think that maybe it is time to let Maka move on and for us to build our midfield without him. I thought he may have ended up with still in some sort of coaching capacity - but doesn't look likely now.