Makelele Departs Chelsea For PSG.....

French midfielder Claude Makelele has been released on a free transfer by Chelsea,
allowing him to sign for Paris St Germain.

The 35-year-old, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge, will be unveiled
by PSG at a news conference on Monday.

"Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Claude for the service he has given us,"
said a club statement.

Makelele joined Chelsea from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2003,
costing the Stamford Bridge outfit £16.8m.

He won two Premier League titles and played 217 times for Chelsea,
scoring two goals in the process.

The statement added: "Claude has been a key part of our trophy success
and we wish him well for the future.

"He will always be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in the future either
as a player or friend of the club."

Makelele's last match for the club was their Champions League final defea
t by Manchester United in Moscow in May.

He retired from international football - for the second time -
in June after their disappointing exit from Euro 2008, after winning 71 caps

Will Chelsea miss Makelele described by some as the best "water carrier" in England over the last 5 years?

Well he was looking very poor last season at Chelsea. He always seemed tired and got beaten way too easy.

Good for him, hope he gets a few starts.

He will be first choice.

Good.

Can't stand the guy.

And the way commentator's talk as though he christened the "defensive midfielder" position drives me beserk.