Odds and Sods

Andriy Shevchenko has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the past decade. Moving to Milan from Dynamo Kyiv in 1999 for 26m GBP, Sheva became a legend for the Rossoneri scoring 173 goals over 7 seasons. He was twice top goal scorer in Serie A and was European Football in 2004. In the summer of 2006, despite having stated his desire to stay at the club and become a Milan legend and Milan fans begging him to stay, he chose to move to Chelsea for a British record 30m GBP.

This is where Sheva’s career has come off its hinges. Allegedly injured in the world cup, he never found his form. He scored only 14 times in 50 appearances for the Blues (only 4 goals in 30 appearances in the Premier League). Speculation for his poor firm circled around fatigue and possible injury from the World Cup, as well as an inability to adapt to English football and, in particular, Jose Mourinho’s system.

In addition to the disgusting display on the field, he was allegedly the cause of much lockerroom discord after a falling out with manager Jose Mourinho and the reason for the strained relations between The Special One and owner Roman Abramovich.

Not even Chelsea want to write off a 30m GBP investment as a bust, but the situation looks untenable as long as Mourinho remains at the club. With the Blues in the market for superstar strikers David Villa and Carlos Tevez, it appears that the 30 year old Ukranian may be available.

AC Milan seems to be the likely destination should Sheva leave Chelsea. Though he has made some disparaging comments, former Prime Minister and AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has stated his willingness to bring him back into the fold. The Sun alleges today that Roman Abramovich has given the OK to Shevchenko returning.

There doesn’t seem to be much interest from elsewhere in Europe. No big Premier League club would have him, and the other Spanish and Italian giants appear to have their sights set elsewhere.

Andriy also expressed recent interest in the possibility of playing in MLS, though that would most likely be a while down the road, as he remains on a hefty contract with Chelsea for another three seasons. One would also suspect him to desire to resurrect his European career and set the record straight before moving abroad.

Pride urges Sheva to want to stay at Chelsea to prove that he can play in the English Premier League. However, it is likely that the club will want to part with him. We here at Odds and Sods expect him to join a portly Brazilian and inject some “youth” into the Milan front line next year.