Former Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to quit Barcelona and play for English Champions Manchester United. The Icelander is becoming frustrated over a lack of first team appearances......
Gudjohnsen wants to quit Barca for United
BY IAN LADYMAN
15th June 2007
Daily Mail
Former Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to return to the Premiership with champions Manchester United.
Barcelona, the Iceland striker’s current club, want to swap Gudjohnsen for United’s Spanish central defender Gerard Pique, who has impressed on loan in La Liga this season with Real Zaragoza.
Gudjohnsen in action for Barcelona against his former club Chelsea
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is not thought to be keen on such a deal because he wants to bring the talented Pique back in to his squad for the new season.
But last night Gudjohnsen revealed he is ready to quit the Nou Camp after becoming frustrated over a lack of first team opportunities.
Celtic and West Ham are also monitoring the unsettled 29-yearold’s situation.
Gudjohnsen said: "I joined Barcelona to be part of the club’s triumphs but it is not easy for me when you look at the club’s forward line and see all the big names there.
"Each minute has been a special test for me but to sit on the bench is not the most desirable experience for a player.
"I don’t think I have failed in Spain but perhaps I have not totally won the confidence of the coach. If I leave then my ideal idea would be to return to British football.
"If Barcelona decide to place me in the market then I need to study all the details. But a perfect choice for me will be a club that plays in the Champions League.
"Obviously Manchester United fit that category."
Gudjohnsen has spent only one season at Barcelona since his move from Stamford Bridge and, although he is contracted until 2010, he would be available for £9million.
The former Bolton star would also consider a move to join Gordon Strachan at Celtic and added: "I know there has been some contact with English clubs and with Celtic but the answer to this question does not rely just on me."
Meanwhile, Arjen Robben insists he is only talking to Chelsea about a contract extension despite interest from top European clubs.
Robben claimed he was in the final stages of securing a new fiveyear deal despite interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Hans Robben, the winger’s father and agent, remains confident his son will stay and insists he not spoken to another club.
Robben senior told Sky Sports News: "We are in negotiations with Chelsea and we are trying to make a new deal.
"You never know in football, but there’s a big possibility that he plays for Chelsea next season.
"If we don’t have a deal, there may be another club, but while he still has two years’ contract left I don’t see any reason why we should talk to any other club."
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi claims Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, 30, wants to return to San Siro and he is determined to re-sign him.
The Ukraine forward has been linked with a return over the last six months following a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge. Milan want a striker, with Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o and Arsenal’s Thierry Henry rumoured to be targets.
But Berlusconi has his heart set on Shevchenko who joined Chelsea for £30m. "I like Eto’o, he is young, but I am a romantic and I prefer Shevchenko," said Berlusconi.
dailymail.co.uk
Gudjohnsen wants to quit Barca for United
BY IAN LADYMAN
15th June 2007
Daily Mail
Former Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to return to the Premiership with champions Manchester United.
Barcelona, the Iceland striker’s current club, want to swap Gudjohnsen for United’s Spanish central defender Gerard Pique, who has impressed on loan in La Liga this season with Real Zaragoza.
Gudjohnsen in action for Barcelona against his former club Chelsea
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is not thought to be keen on such a deal because he wants to bring the talented Pique back in to his squad for the new season.
But last night Gudjohnsen revealed he is ready to quit the Nou Camp after becoming frustrated over a lack of first team opportunities.
Celtic and West Ham are also monitoring the unsettled 29-yearold’s situation.
Gudjohnsen said: "I joined Barcelona to be part of the club’s triumphs but it is not easy for me when you look at the club’s forward line and see all the big names there.
"Each minute has been a special test for me but to sit on the bench is not the most desirable experience for a player.
"I don’t think I have failed in Spain but perhaps I have not totally won the confidence of the coach. If I leave then my ideal idea would be to return to British football.
"If Barcelona decide to place me in the market then I need to study all the details. But a perfect choice for me will be a club that plays in the Champions League.
"Obviously Manchester United fit that category."
Gudjohnsen has spent only one season at Barcelona since his move from Stamford Bridge and, although he is contracted until 2010, he would be available for £9million.
The former Bolton star would also consider a move to join Gordon Strachan at Celtic and added: "I know there has been some contact with English clubs and with Celtic but the answer to this question does not rely just on me."
Meanwhile, Arjen Robben insists he is only talking to Chelsea about a contract extension despite interest from top European clubs.
Robben claimed he was in the final stages of securing a new fiveyear deal despite interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Hans Robben, the winger’s father and agent, remains confident his son will stay and insists he not spoken to another club.
Robben senior told Sky Sports News: "We are in negotiations with Chelsea and we are trying to make a new deal.
"You never know in football, but there’s a big possibility that he plays for Chelsea next season.
"If we don’t have a deal, there may be another club, but while he still has two years’ contract left I don’t see any reason why we should talk to any other club."
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi claims Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, 30, wants to return to San Siro and he is determined to re-sign him.
The Ukraine forward has been linked with a return over the last six months following a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge. Milan want a striker, with Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o and Arsenal’s Thierry Henry rumoured to be targets.
But Berlusconi has his heart set on Shevchenko who joined Chelsea for £30m. "I like Eto’o, he is young, but I am a romantic and I prefer Shevchenko," said Berlusconi.
dailymail.co.uk