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      Ex-Chelsea star Ivanovic opens up on infamously brutal Geoff Shreeves interview and insists he did NOT ruin his moment

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      BRANISLAV IVANOVIC has opened up about his infamous, brutal interview with Geoff Shreeves of 2012, revealing the exact reason he was left looking so heartbroken.
      During the 2011-12 season, Chelsea reached the final of the Champions League after a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona.

      Ivanovic was left heartbroken after Shreeves informed him he’d miss the final after picking up a yellow cardCredit: Sky Sports

      Moments earlier, Ivanovic had been celebrating Chelsea’s aggregate win wildlyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      The Blues won the first leg 1-0 at Stamford Bridge but slipped 2-0 down after just 43 minutes at the Nou Camp.
      Ramires scored a stunning goal to put Chelsea ahead on away goals, before Fernando Torres provoked an incredible ‘goalgasm’ reaction from commentator Gary Neville with a 91st minute tie-clincher.
      But it wasn’t all fun and games on the flight home, with Ivanovic told he would miss the final after picking up a yellow card during the game by Geoff Shreeves, who was conducting the post-match interview.
      Shreeves later became known as the ‘man who shot Bambi’ such was the heartbreak on the Serbian’s face.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      But Ivanovic – now back in the Premier League with West Brom – holds no ill will against Shreeves.
      The ex-Chelsea defender told The Times: “Honestly, I was in shock about the whole situation.
      “Our coaching staff and Roberto Di Matteo [the manager] did not tell us before the game who was in the danger zone.

      “When I got booked, after the game I was only thinking about the final.

      “When Geoff surprised me, I wasn’t even thinking in my head about the final, I was celebrating the semi-final and a big victory.
      “I looked strange in that moment.
      “Even when I got into the dressing room I was celebrating and happy.
      “I realised probably on the bus when I calmed down and found out.
      “I looked on my phone and I found I couldn’t play in the final.
      “But I don’t have any problem with Geoff, I spoke with him and it was all right, I was fine.”
      Over eight years since the interview, Shreeves revealed his relief after he was let-off by Ivanovic.
      Shreeves tweeted: “The only verdict that matters is in. I am NOT GUILTY!”
      Chelsea would go on to beat Bayern Munich in the final on penalties, with Ivanovic forced to watch on from the sidelines.

      Chelsea legend Ivanovic drops and breaks the Russian Cup after Zenit’s victory in the final over FC Khimki More

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      Chelsea set to offload Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori in January with Barcelona and Newcastle keen on transfers

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      CHELSEA are reportedly willing to listen to offers for both Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori in January.
      The defenders have each featured in the Premier League just once this season with Frank Lampard preferring a centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma.

      Fikayo Tomori has struggled for game time this season under Frank LampardCredit: Rex Features

      German defender Rudiger has lost his place in the starting XI this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former Roma star Rudiger has been linked with a shock move to Barcelona as an alternative to Manchester City’s Eric Garcia.
      Meanwhile ex-Derby loanee Tomori is claimed to be an option for Newcastle as Steve Bruce weighs up bringing him to St James’ Park on loan.
      And ESPN have stated that the pair will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge as Lampard looks to trim the centre-backs in his squad.
      It remains to be seen whether the West London outfit would allow both players to depart the club in the New Year.

      Should they both leave, Chelsea would have just Andreas Christensen to rely on as back-up.
      Rudiger is aware that he must be playing regular football if he wants to be named in Joachim Low’s Germany Euro 2020 squad.
      Low revealed in October how Rudiger was desperate to leave Chelsea in the summer, before stating he will look to force through a move in January.
      He said: “I was in constant contact with Rudiger, he was keeping me in the loop.

      “He had three or four options over the weekend but unfortunately nothing materialised – he can try again in the winter.
      “He tried everything to leave Chelsea because the European Championship is very important to him.
      “I think he’ll try to leave again in the winter. He’s doing everything he can to stay in his best form.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Edouard Mendy shows off his incredible skills in training with Chelsea More

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      Chelsea academy was nearly SHUT DOWN by ex-boss for being a ‘waste of time’, claims former youth chief Emenalo

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      EX-CHELSEA chief Michael Emenalo claimed a former manager tried to CLOSE the club’s academy.
      Frank Lampard put his trust in the youth last season after the club were banned from signing players – leading the Blues into the Champions League.

      Michael Emenalo claims a former Chelsea boss tried shutting down the academyCredit: PA:Press Association

      And Chelsea have continued to have impress this term with academy graduates Mason Mount, Reece James, Andreas Christensen and Callum Hudson-Odoi all shining.
      But things could have turned out differently had a former boss succeeded in persuading Roman Abramovich to pull the plug on his youth funding.
      Emenalo, who served as Chelsea’s technical director between 2011 and 2017 after spending the previous four years as chief scout and assistant first team coach, worked above the likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Roberto Di Matteo.
      He claims Abramovich was urged to ditch his academy and focus instead on pouring money into the first team.

      But the Russian did not listen to his manager, and Emenalo reckons the decision is proving to be one of his best ever.
      The former Monaco chief told the Telegraph: “I defended the academy when there was pressure and doubt and pessimism.
      “There was a time when there was a clamour to do more and a manager came in to make a presentation to say the academy was not necessary.
      “The argument was it takes too long, we don’t have time, we should use it to make some money here and there, and that the owner should stop pumping money into it because it seemed like a waste.

      “But that wasn’t my idea and I had to fight against it.
      “This is where I am very, very proud of the owner Roman Abramovich because of the trust he had in me and the willingness to listen to me and give the academy time.
      “He would not abandon it. He believed in it and in me, and I can’t thank him enough for that.”

      Frank Lampard reacts to Olivier Giroud masterclass in Chelsea’s 4-0 win at Sevilla More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Henry Lawrence is latest academy star, a versatile teenager who can play in midfield and defence

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      THEY’RE going to be need a bigger conveyor belt. When it comes to youth stars of tomorrow, Chelsea are currently leading the way – with talented youngsters flying off the production line. Alongside big-money signings Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Ben Chilwell the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, and Tammy Abraham have come through […] More

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      Juventus join Inter Milan in Olivier Giroud transfer battle as they eye four players including Chelsea team-mate Emerson

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      JUVENTUS and Inter Milan are set to battle for Olivier Giroud’s signature in January, according to reports.
      The Chelsea striker, 34, has grown frustrated by his lack of playing time this season after opting to stay at the club beyond the summer after a strong end to 2019-20.

      Inter Milan are targeting Giroud, while Juventus want both the French star and Chelsea team-mate EmersonCredit: Rex Features

      Giroud also has one eye on next summer’s European Championship – knowing he must be playing regularly to keep his spot in the France squad.
      And Inter Milan are looking to rescue the ex-Arsenal star in January, according to Tuttosport.
      Antonio Conte brought Giroud to Chelsea in January 2018 before he was sacked in the summer.
      The Italian is set to try to bring the Frenchman to Milan – but it’s claimed Giroud would once again be playing second fiddle, this time to red-hot former Blues ace Romelu Lukaku.

      Inter are believed to be keen on a six-month loan deal for Giroud, with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
      But they face competition from Juventus, with boss Andrea Pirlo targeting FOUR new players.
      Juve are yet to win a game in which Cristiano Ronaldo has been absent this season – most-recently drawing 1-1 with Benevento.
      And Pirlo wants to bring in Giroud and Chelsea team-mate Emerson Palmieri to help kickstart a strong second-half of the season, according to Il Bianco Nero.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Juventus are also looking to Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli and Udinese ace Rodrigo De Paul.
      And it’s now almost certain Giroud opts to cut his losses in West London and moves on this winter.
      On his lack of game-time at Stamford Bridge, Giroud – who hasn’t started a single game this season – recently admitted: “It’s worrying.
      “I thought I still had a role to play at Chelsea but my playing time is getting reduced a lot.
      “It’s going to have to change or a decision must be made.”
      But Lampard claimed Giroud is an ‘important’ part of his squad and will fight for him to stay.

      Lampard said: “I do have plans for Oli, he is very important in our squad.
      “He was very important last year, he played a lot of games and made a lot of starts.
      “He’ll always want to play more but he’s a huge member of the squad for me.
      “I know he will be important for us going forward, so I want Oli to be here and to stay.
      “I have a very good relationship with Oli and if ever he felt that it was going to go a different way then I would happily have that conversation with him.
      “But I want him to stay here. I’m open both ways if that ever changes but at the moment he is very important for us.”

      Frank Lampard insists Olivier Giroud is in his plans despite Chelsea striker admitting he is ready for January transfer More

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      Chelsea and West Ham in transfer fight for RB Leipzig kid Matthew Bondswell, 18, after impressing on loan in Holland

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      CHELSEA and West Ham are reportedly keen on RB Leipzig’s Matthew Bondswell.
      The England Under-18 international left-back is a man in-demand after a series of impressive displays in Holland.

      Chelsea and West Ham are reportedly keen on RB Leipzig’s Matthew BondswellCredit: Sportsfile

      Former Nottingham Forest starlet Bondswell, 18, joined FC Dordrecht on a season-long loan to further his development.
      His form for the Dutch second division outfit has caught the eye of the Premier League duo, according to The Telegraph.
      And with Chelsea and the Hammers both keen, that could lead to a possible return to these shores in the January transfer window.
      But both the Blues and their London rivals face strong competition for Bondswell.

      Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, who helped bring England international and Tottenham ace Eric Dier through the ranks, also want the teen.
      Bondswell shot to prominence with his displays for Forest’s youth team.
      But he snubbed their offer of a pro deal two years ago in order to sign for German side Leipzig.
      Both Ademola Lookman and Emile Smith-Rowe have also headed to Leipzig in the past as part of the Bundesliga side’s English imports.

      The full-back could have opted for a career in athletics instead of football.
      He won a silver medal in the triple jump at the English Schools Track and Field Championships in the summer of 2017.
      And he also took gold in the same discipline at school level as well as competing in the 200m.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Lampard says Chelsea could have had more magic against Spurs More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea joined by City in Denis Zakaria transfer race with Monchengladbach star eyed to bolster midfield

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      MANCHESTER CITY are ready to battle it out with neighbours United and Chelsea in the race for Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria.
      The 24-year-old midfielder, whose contract runs until 2022, has just returned to action after fighting back from a long-term knee injury.

      Man City have contacted Monchengladbach’s Deniz Zakaria’s agent over a potential transfer moveCredit: Getty

      Swiss international Zakaria came off the bench against Augsburg on November 21 for his first game since March and has since featured twice more.  
      It was his performances last term that caught the eye before he was sidelined, helping Gladbach to seal Champions League football.
      His return to fitness has re-ignited the interest from potential suitors, and Pep Guardiola’s City are reportedly one of those keen.
      And Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano told his Here We Go podcast that City have already been in contact with Zakaria’s agent.

      He said: “Manchester City are focusing on Zakaria, he is so appreciated by the board, they are following him, they are in contact with his agent.
      “So he’s for sure on the list of Manchester City, there is nothing advanced yet because they are not negotiating yet with Borussia Monchengladbach, they need time.”
      Further reports claimed last month that both Manchester United and Chelsea were looking at making a move for the attacker.
      United are in need for a defensive midfielder to replace the ageing Nemanja Matic, who turned 32 in August.

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      Meanwhile Frank Lampard is looking for alternatives to West Ham’s Declan Rice having failed to prise him away from the London Stadium.
      But the two teams could still miss out on Zakaria, with it claimed that Bayern Munich are also keen to snap him up.
      Zakaria spoke earlier in the year about how flattering it was to be linked with moves to Europe’s biggest clubs.
      Speaking in March, he said: “[The interest] spurs me on and gives me strength to improve further.
      “The fact that other clubs are dealing with me shows that I perform well. But I only concentrate on Borussia.”

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