Blues News: Ronaldinho and Marco van Basten

I haven't said anything about Jose Mourinho leaving Stamford Bridge yet, but sense I am somewhat of a Chelsea supporter I'd like to say that I am sad to see him go. More so for English football that the club because he brought the best out of everyone, the club, the players, the league, and his competition.

SunSport revealed yesterday that Chelsea have already struck a deal to pay the Brazilian superstar £58million over five years.
Although Ronaldinho has not said he will quit the Nou Camp, Chelsea have already agreed the wage deal with Ronnie’s brother and agent Roberto de Assis.
But boss Frank Rijkaard insists he wants to keep the goofy genius.
Rijkaard said: “It doesn’t even cross my head that he will leave.
“In football, people forget very quickly. He had and still has incredible value.
“He’s working hard to recover as quickly as possible and he’s got great desire to return to the team and there’s nothing behind that issue.”

In other news....

The Sun - MARCO VAN BASTEN has been offered the Chelsea job.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich made his move for the Holland boss at the weekend and is now waiting for his reply.
Ex-Real Madrid chief Fabio Capello let slip the secret by revealing Chelsea technical director Frank Arnesen recommended legendary striker Van Basten to Red Rom.
Capello said: “Arnesen wants Van Basten to take over and has already recommended Marco to Abramovich.”
Capello added: “Frank and Marco know each other well from their time in Dutch football.”
Van Basten, 40, sat behind Abramovich at Old Trafford in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United.
The Dutchman privately insisted it was just a coincidence and that he was a United guest.
But Van Basten spoke at length with Chelsea’s hierarchy about an offer to succeed Avram Grant, who became Blues boss only last week after Jose Mourinho’s departure.
Ex-AC Milan hitman Van Basten asked for a few days to decide whether to take the job immediately. A close pal said: “Marco is faced with a huge dilemma. He has to think things over and see whether he could leave Holland.”
The Dutch sit joint top of Group G with Romania in Euro 2008 qualifying.

EPL: GAMEWEEK 1

The English Premier League started this weekend and I think I watched about 14 hours of great football, not including the MLS FC Dallas game I went to last night, which was one of the best games I had ever seen. Thank God football is back! There were so many incredible games and several magnificent individual performances. There are also many great new faces of talent that should make huge impacts this year.

Even though there were numerous stunners in week one that included the newly promoted three teams doing quite well and the defending champs Man United drawing with a Reading team that finished the game down a man, in my opinion the biggest news of the week is just coming out right now, which is that Wayne Rooney has fractured his foot, again, and will be out most likely for about two months.

According to BBC, Skysports, ESPN and others: In attempting to make a tackle, Michael Duberry accidentally trod on Rooney's foot. It was clear instantly Rooney had a problem, as he went down and removed his boot. Although he was able to continue briefly, he did not reappear for the second half, with Ferguson sending the 21-year-old for a scan. Although the United boss expressed the hope the damage would not be too bad, his worst fears now appear to have been confirmed, although the precise extent of the injury is not known.

In all probability England coach Steve McClaren will also be without his first choice striker for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia at the beginning of next month. With Rooney out and both Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only returning to training after long-term injuries last week, Ferguson seems certain to hand Carlos Tevez his debut at Fratton Park on Wednesday.

I can't wait for that, but this is seriously a huge disappointment for the England national team because of the lack of top strikers they have and the fact that they are still struggling with EURO 2008 qualifying.

Finally, if you haven't seen Steven Gerrard's game winner, check it out... it is amazing. Other great goals and/or game winners by Obafemi Martins, Hleb, Essien, Malouda, Benjani (Pompey), Andy Todd (Derby), Stuart Downing (M'brough). Even though Arsenal ended up winning a stunner, Jens Lehmann had an incredibly embarrassing moment. Also, it looks like Essien was injured as well on Sunday with a leg ligament problem.

Sidenote: the FC Dallas game on Saturday night was one of the best I have ever seen and certainly the best that I have attended. They should be replaying it on FSC this week.

What to watch for tonight: Will David Beckham play when the LA Galaxy take on the New England Revolution? Answer is NO!

As always, neuter your Tottenham Hotspur fans as well as those Red Devil vampires.

GO BLUES!!!