Football: Desailly fillip for Chelsea
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MARCEL DESAILLY has given Chelsea a boost by declaring that he has no intention of leaving at the end of the season.
The French World Cup winner had been quoted last week that he could spring a "surprise" in May by leaving to seek another challenge if the Blues won the title.
However, on his return to London, the defender insisted that his comments had been taken out of context.
"It's been a lot of noise over nothing," he maintained. "It's true that I said I would leave Chelsea one day and that it is better to go after winning - it's easier, you are appreciated more and you leave the supporters with a good memory of you. But that's all. There's no problem, I have a four-year contract here."
The Frenchman may not be in the starting line-up at the Manor Ground for tonight FA Cup third-round tie against Oxford United, given his recent injury problems and the form of Michael Duberry. There will be some enforced changes to Chelsea's line-up, though: Albert Ferrer is suspended and Celestine Babayaro is on international duty with Nigeria.
Oxford's on-loan goalkeeper Paul Gerrard is unavailable, the midfielder Joey Beauchamp is suspended while the giant centre-forward Kevin Francis is injured.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments