Makelele: Abramovich chat convinced me of Chelsea move

Claude Makelele has revealed how a heart-to-heart with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich convinced him to join the London club.

"A breach opened up between me and Real Madrid and when I spoke to Mr Abramovich I really got the impression that here were people who really wanted me," said the midfielder.

"That was the difference and that is what convinced me at all costs I had to move to Chelsea."

"Sometimes the club can decide everything for the players and I don't see why a player doesn't get the right to think about themselves. Of course the price tag will add extra pressure, but in top-level football there is always pressure of some kind and you learn how to deal with it. I won't allow it to weigh me down."