Chelsea Latest News And Mourinho On Ronaldo

Chelsea manager Avram Grant seemed quietly confident and extremely proud following his side's 2-1 win over Manchester United.

The win has reignited the league title race, with Michael Ballack's opening goal being proceeded by a heartfelt celebration, where the players unveiled a Pat Lampard shirt - in memory of Chelsea star Frank's late mother - and hoisted it in the air.Indeed the Blues were much the better side playing a somewhat under-strength Manchester United, missing both Ronaldo and Tevez, who were on the bench.After a somewhat improved performance at the start of the second half, Ricardo Carvalho put an equaliser on a plate for Wayne Rooney, as the home fans sat stunned.However, there was one final twist yet, as a Michael Carrick handball allowed Michael Ballack to win the game from the spot with his second of the game.Grant of course has been under-fire despite his consistent output as Chelsea boss, that sees them now have momentum in both the league and the Champions League.The Israeli started by sending out his best wishes to Frank Lampard and his family, before going on to air his thoughts on the game itself. He was full of praise for the team's mental and technical qualities, and is confident as we approach the end of the season."We won the game here against Man United, I think that we put them under pressure," he began, speaking to Sky Sports 1."We needed to win the game - but it was a mistake of one out best players [Carvalho] - but at the end of the day, we won."I'm very proud of what we're doing, this year especially. The first time we did it against Arsenal and again today.

"This game has a lot of courage; this team has a lot of character."Also, we played good football today. [Manchester United goalkeeper, Edwin] van der Sar was good today, he saved two goals."What can we say? We did what we have to do, and I hope we are happy at the end of the season."When asked if he believes Manchester United will crack - and thus allow his side a way back into the title race - he put it down to faith, insisting he believes it will happen."I need to believe it," he laughed. "If I'm in football, I need to believe it."However, he does not believe today's game will affect their fortunes midweek as they host Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, holding the advantage after a 1-1 draw at Anfield last Tuesday."No, it's something else," he replied. "It was a big game for us last Tuesday, it was a big game today, and of course it will be a big game on Wednesday. "We have more confidence now. I think we've showed that even when we're in bad times we also show character."

Milan Won’t Pay For Sheva
Andriy Shevchenko will only return to AC Milan if no fee is involved in the transfer, according to the Ukrainian’s agent.

Shevchenko had a glorious seven years at Milan from 1999 to 2006, scoring 127 goals in just 208 games, before leaving to join Chelsea following the last World Cup in Germany. His time at Stamford Bridge has been nothing short of disastrous, and he is desperate to return to San Siro this summer. Milan are also keen to arrange a deal to sign Shevchenko, however, according to the striker’s agent, they are not prepared to pay a fee for him. "[Milan vice-president] Adriano Galliani has always been very clear when stating that the deal can only be done if Chelsea allow Milan to have the player as a free loan,” said Fabio Parisi. "If Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will give his okay then I think the deal could be done." Shevchenko has made just 11 Premiership appearances all season, scoring four goals, and it is almost certain that he will be shown the door at Chelsea at the end of the campaign.

Mourinho: Ronaldo Need Medals Before Awards
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to be England’s player of the year but that Manchester United must achieve success to vindicate that claim.

Mourinho was speaking to BBC Radio Five Live and clearly feels that Ronaldo’s team needs a trophy before he can regarded as the best player in the country or in Europe.
The Portuguese winger has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 38 goals, and his compatriot thinks that he has hitherto been the best player in the country by a considerable distance.
However, Mourinho, as a manager who always stressed the power of the collective over the individual, feels that in order for Ronaldo to be legitimately the best player, his team must be the best team.
Mourinho has been increasingly vocal of late, commenting on a broad range of topics across the world of football and his opinion on Ronaldo seems to be another such soundbite.
He said: "I think the player of the year must be the best of the year but also a winner of the year. I don't think it can be a player without a big trophy."Clearly, what Ronaldo did this year has been magnificent and by some distance he has been the best player in the Premier League."For me the best is always a winner because football is a collective sport."So, if Manchester United does something important by winning the Premier League or Champions League I, and not just me but the whole football world, would give him the Golden Boot."