The players that have any French connection always talk to France Football while they keep mum to the other press. For this, I can think of two reasons. One is, perhaps they consider the French press less venomous than their British and Spanish coutnerparts. Two is, I guess they find it comfortable to give their interviews in French, without worrying about how their English would be interpreted. Still these translated interviews find their way to British press with different texts and versions. But Drogba has given an interview to France Football which is difficult to interpret differently. He wants to stay with Chelsea.

I have always said, I am always with Chelsea. It is a great team with great players and a great coach, and a president who has ambition. I do not want talk about it. I am with Chelsea. Everything goes well there. I still have two years left on my contract. If my employers do not want me to leave, I will be a Chelsea player. Today, they made me understand they want to see me playing again for the team.

I’m a big fan of Drogba, you know that already. It’s better for him and the club that his situation is clarified soon. Much has been made of his love-hate relationship with Chelsea. He was obviously upset about TSO’s dismissal and Grant’s appointment. He has survived that period. Even during this period, I don’t think he was any less dedicated. Once Grant was removed and Scolari was appointed, Drogba should have felt a lot relieved. In the last few weeks, the club has also made it quite clear that they want Drogba to stay. Even last week, Roman has provided a private jet for Drogba to travel to France in order to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Drogba appreciates this gesture very much. It’s not that Drogba loves the company of Roman, Scolari and his colleagues, it’s also that there are not too many clubs that are looking for his signature. So, everything points towards another contract extension at Chelsea.

The rumour has it that our Robinho bid has been rejected by Real Madrid. I guess the game starts now. 20 million pounds is a fair valuation for this player. Also Robinho is dying to come to Chelsea. Can we expect Sepp Blatter to come out and say that ‘Robinho is a slave’? Man Utd pursued Owen Hargreaves like Real Madrid did with Ronaldo. Therefore, in the Ronaldo saga, Man Utd’s hypocrisy was for all to see. Real Madrid pursued Ronaldo like Chelsea does now with Robinho. So now, in Robinho’s transfer, it is Madrid’s hypocrisy that’s under spotlight. In all these cases, the players wanted to move and the clubs were against the transfer.

At least in Ronaldo’s case, he cannot claim any ill-treatment by the club. He was simply their best player and the Man Utd folks adored him. Whereas Robinho was obviously insulted and irritated when he was to be used as the spare change in the Ronaldo deal. Therefore, unlike Ronaldo, Robinho is a an unhappy player. His agent says that Robinho is calling him everyday to know if the Madrid management has called him to discuss about Robinho’s future. I felt sorry for him after reading this news.

The squad numbers for the Chelsea players have been announced. The notable numbers are No.20 for Deco, while Ferreira moves to No.19. Franco di Santo takes up No.9, which was Sidwell’s number last season. I’m quite happy that No.9 shirt goes to a forward. No.9 is generally worn by forwards and we know some illustrious names that have donned the No.9 shirt. Steve Sidwell as a No.9 was an unfortunate combination. But now, Franco should be thrilled to be the No.9 of Chelsea FC. Robinho can take up No.22 or No.25 after he arrives at Stamford Bridge.

The full squad list is below.

1 Petr Cech, 2 Branislav Ivanovic, 3 Ashley Cole, 5 Michael Essien, 6 Ricardo Carvalho, 7 Andriy Shevchenko, 8 Frank Lampard, 9 Franco Di Santo, 10 Joe Cole, 11 Didier Drogba, 12 John Mikel Obi, 13 Michael Ballack, 14 Claudio Pizarro, 15 Florent Malouda, 16 Scott Sinclair, 17 José Bosingwa, 18 Wayne Bridge, 19 Paulo Ferreira, 20 Deco, 21 Salomon Kalou, 23 Carlo Cudicini, 24 Shaun Wright-Phillips, 26 John Terry, 30 Rhys Taylor, 33 Alex, 35 Juliano Belletti, 39 Nicolas Anelka, 40 Hilario.

Elsewhere, The Sun reports on a survey on the most hated club in England. Leeds won the gold, while Man Utd had to be content with silver and Chelsea, got the bronze. This is one list where Roman or Scolari may not want to top. Let’s say it loud and clear: Man Utd is more hated than Chelsea. If Scolari wants make Chelsea loved, he knows how much work he has to do.

Peter Kenyon must be aware of these hate numbers against Chelsea. That’s why something keeps happening with Chelsea on the marketing front. Now, EA Sports now has something to do with Chelsea FC. The official Chelsea website says:

Chelsea Football Club can announce that EA SPORTS has become our official video game partner. The three-year global deal will help promote FIFA 09 to Chelsea’s global fan base and compliment its partnership with the Premier League. The agreement will see EA SPORTS receive a package of rights including in-game licensing and marks the first sponsorship deal signed at Chelsea FC since the introduction of LED stadium perimeter advertising at Stamford Bridge, providing increased exposure and value for current and prospective partners.

It’s an understatement if I say I’m eagerly waiting for the FIFA 09. I have played a number of PES/Konami versions of the football game before. I’ll tell you that FIFA 08 is the best video football game ever. If FIFA 09 is an improvement of FIFA 08, it’s gonna take a major toll on my career and social life. I’m quite happy that Chelsea FC has some kind of business arrnagement with FIFA 09. That means the Chelsea team in FIFA 09 would be a accurate reflection of the Chelsea team and players in terms of the jerseys, stadium, player attributes etc. Interesting!