Cudicini ready to extend Chelsea contract
Carlo Cudicini is ready to extend his contract at Chelsea until 2009 despite receiving only limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper made only his second appearance of the season last night in Chelsea’s 4-0 Champions League win over Real Betis and is likely to be back on the bench for this weekend’s Barclays Premiership trip to Everton.
But Cudicini insists he has nothing prove to boss Jose Mourinho and has no intention of leaving Chelsea just to secure regular first-team football elsewhere.
“I am here, I am not going anywhere. I have a contract until 2008 and we are talking about maybe getting another year,” he said.
“I would be stupid and a liar to say I am happy to be on the bench, but I am very happy to be part of this club. It is going up and up, season after season, and the manager needs everyone.
“It was important for me to play but it is about what the manager thinks about me and I know he thinks positive things.
“I don’t have to show anything. The manager sees me every day in training and the supporters know me very well after six years.”
Cudicini helped Chelsea weather an early onslaught from Betis but was then reduced to a virtual spectator as Mourinho’s men stormed to victory.
The Italian’s last start was against West Brom on September 24 – which Chelsea also won 4-0 – but he expects to be involved again next Wednesday when the Blues take on Charlton in the Carling Cup.
“I just have to be ready when the manager needs me. I am part of this team and when the manager calls me I am ready,” he said.
“I just train hard every day and when I play try to be at my best.”
