By dixon9
January 22 2007

The media continue with their intense anti-Chelsea campaign. Among the most recent attacks were hysterical stories alleging that Shevchenko was complaining to Abramovich about the way Mourinho was playing him and that he wanted Carlo Ancelotti at the helm of Stamford Bridge.

The reports also included accusations that the other Chelsea players felt that he was a “snitch” by informing Abramovich of what goes on in the dressing room as he was friend to the owner and even their respective wives went shopping together etc etc etc..  In general, the media have been trying to paint a black picture of Shevchenko and his “deteriorating” relationship with Mourinho – even to the extent that Abramovich signed the player even though Mourinho didn´t want him!

 

This is what the Ukrainian had to say on the matter:

Those rumours are all lies,” he said. “A lot of things have been said which aren’t true. They have caused a lot of hurt to myself and my family. I am a footballer, not a politician. My job is to play, that’s all. It is what I’ve been doing since I was nine years old. People are crossing the limits in what they are saying about me. It is bull***t.”

“There are things written about my relationship with Roman Abramovich which have been overexaggerated,my relationship with him is the same as every other player. He’s the president and I am a player — it is entirely professional. “

“I see Abramovich in the dressing-room sometimes or occasionally at training. We might have a quick word with each other but that is natural as we both speak Russian. Maybe I shouldn’t speak Russian. Maybe that gives people the wrong idea.”

Further, some quarters of the press even said that Abramovich wanted to bring in Portsmouth´s Director of Football to coach Shevchenko and sack Steve Clark in the process!

“Avram Grant? I know who he is but I don’t know him,” he said. “I only know that he was coach of Israel, but it doesn’t concern me if he comes or does not come. This is a decision the club makes. I am just here to play. It is hard when you are thrown in the middle of everything.”

On his future at Chelsea:

“My contract runs for four years [until 2010], I am here now and I am staying here. I am continuing to work to fit inside the team. I have been attacked from all sides but I intend to carry on. I will grit my teeth. I am not a quitter. I just want to be kept out of the politics.”

Certainly, if selected to play against Liverpool at Anfield, there won´t be any other player more fired up then Shevchenko.  The irony here of course, is that all the media and some sections of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal fans, could all end up suffering if Shevchenko puts inan inspired performance – hubris and chickens home to roost springs to mind!

On the matter of Mourinho picking him for Saturday, this is what he had to say:

 

“If he decides I am not capable, I just have to work harder - It doesn’t matter what I think.”

 

What a kick in the teeth for all those lying journalists and certain opposition fans who have been revelling in the slops on Chelsea served up to them!  More importantly, what a fantastic attitude Shevchenko has – the man is sheer class!