Di Santo stands his ground

[EskWeston 696]

Chelsea youngster Franco di Santo is locked in a battle of wills with Luiz Felipe Scolari over the Argentine’s desire to represent his country.

The striker has infuriated the Chelsea boss by insisting he wants to play in the South American Under-20 Championship, which starts on January 19.

However, Scolari is not willing to let the youngster join Sergio Batista's squad because of the shortage of strikers at Stamford Bridge.

“I spoke to Scolari and he told me that he wouldn’t let me go,” Di Santo told Argentine television yesterday.

“There are only three strikers in the squad: Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and me, and he told me that he needs me to stay in London.”

The Argentine football federation hopes Fifa will insist that Chelsea allow Di Santo to travel, and reports in Argentina suggest national coach Diego Maradona will attempt to convince the club to allow him to play.

“It makes me proud that Maradona is interested in my case,” said Di Santo.

The 19-year-old said Chelsea captain John Terry was also in support of his cause.

“I spoke to John Terry a couple of times in the last couple of days and he said I was right to go and play.

“He said I’m only on the bench and need to get minutes in the team so I get noticed.

“I’m always on the bench, I’ve only played eight games this season, always coming on in the last ten or 15 minutes.”

Source: Setanta

[BlueLion. 21,491]

From the fact Scolari isn't even willing to pair Nico and Didier up front, what is the point of going against di Santo when he is hardly even getting a spot on the bench at the minute? Let him go.

[terry26 6]

Franco wouldnt really be backup striker anyway - in a game he would bring on Salou first before he would opt for Franco

let him go and represent his country - he'll get the game time and that can't be a bad thing

[EskWeston 696]

I agree, there is little point holding onto him if he isn't going to get a game. If he isn't even going to start against Southend then i think he isn't likely to get much game time during the period where he will be representing his country.

[Kez 2,727]

If it means more playing time and a chance to develop whats the problem?!

Unless Scolari's going to grow some and try 442 then there's no problem in him playing for his country

[Ollie 4,400]

Well, agreed with what everyone is saying. Heaint gonna play much for us anyway so everyone would be losing if he doesnt go. Pointless keeping him here.

[Joe Cool 388]

Unless Scolari's going to grow some and try 442

Doesn't even take a pair of balls to play a 4-4-2

[Elliott 7]

Let the lad play for fuck's sake.

[Kez 2,727]

Doesn't even take a pair of balls to play a 4-4-2

Well Scolari is obviously missing something

[Steve 10,227]

Let the him go, he is not playing for us atm so there is really no point is holding him back in some match time.

[terry26 6]

he stayed with us to get 7 minutes on the field where i cant remember if he touched the ball or not !!!!!!

let him go and play for his country FFS

[chrismada9 1,948]

Oh my god!! I can't believe something like this can cause so much stir, just let him play for his country! If I was manager, I would because at least it gives him playing time, and a chance to play alongside some big names.

Scolari is just being a twat!