Soccernet title: Blues flop Shevchenko moves back to Milan

Is this a track record of a flop? You rate it yourself! But to me, the record is respectable, considering the injuries and the sudden change of style of football. People maybe saying that for 30 millions, Chelsea deserve better reward, but as in any investment, there is always risk that things may not go as planned, and this is one of the case. I do admit that at times, when he was given the chance to prove himself, he did not take it as well as he is capable. His performance is slightly worse than Hernan Crespo (which is also considered a flop, but if anyone just look at his record, I believe he is such a superb striker!)

And I believe, no one will disagree that Sheva is a top professional, never complained to the media during this tough period in Chelsea. He works his socks up, and fight for a place in the Chelsea squad. In the Champions League semi final last season when he comes on as a substitute, he made a on the line clearance to ensure Chelsea made it to the final. That moment just showed how good a professional he is, and he is a roll model to the footballers around, who is getting arrogant and acted unprofessionally.

2006/2007: 13 goals in total
4 in the League, 3 in FA Cup, 3 in League Cup, 3 in Europe

Appearances:
30 in the league, 22 starts, 8 as sub
6 in FA Cup, 5 starts, 1 as sub
4 in League Cup, 4 starts
10 in Europe, 9 starts, 1 as sub

- Significant strike at White Hart Lane in an FA Cup replay.
- Hernia operation in the closing weeks of the 2006/07 season ruled him out of the FA Cup Final win at Wembley.
- Carling Cup winner, having played all Carling Cup matches except for the closing seconds of a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the final at Cardiff.

2007/2008: 8 goals, 5 in the league, 2 in League Cup, 1 in Europe

Appearances:
17 in the league, 8 starts, 9 as sub
1 in FA Cup, 0 starts, 1 as sub
2 in League Cup, 2 starts
5 in Europe, 2 starts, 3 as subs

- fitness problems keep him out of competitive action until mid-September 2007.
- in his second game back he scored the final goal of the José Mourinho era, in a home Champions League draw to Rosenborg.
- there followed by an outstanding strike in the Carling Cup against Leicester
- leading up to Christmas, he scored six important goals in ten appearances with Didier Drogba out injured
- back-related problems called a seven-week halt.
- never start a game in 2008
- made seven sub appearances and scored the final league goal of last season

Shevchenko On Chelsea and Milan Derby

Chelsea made it to the final, breaking the jinx of Liverpool after beating them 3-2 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. Though not playing a big part as in Milan, Shevchenko made it to the final for the 3rd time in 5 years. His penalty brought Milan their 6th European Champions title in 2003

Today, he is no longer the talisman, but remain a model professional for Chelsea, playing as well as he can when called upon. He remains coy about a return to Milan after this season, but admits he still holds the Rossoneri dear to his heart. Milan president & Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has frequently said he would welcome Shevchenko back.

But he, as professional as ever, remain committed to his current team.

``There is a lot of talk about my return,'' Shevchenko said in a television interview published in Corriere dello Sport. ``But I am not authorised to say anything more than this: that my links to Milan have always been great."

``Milan gave me a lot, they helped me grow as a player and they helped me win the European Footballer of the Year award and the Champions League.

``I have great memories. Relationships with my team-mates are very important and many of them have remained."

``The president has always been very kind to me, he suggested to me to take a house in Antigua, I listened to him and I made a great investment."

``I thank him for everything he has done for me, he is very close to my heart. He helped me a lot, in many things."

``I miss my friends in Italy, the true ones, and the food, a lot.''

Though considered a flop by many, his record of 20 goals in 68 appearances for Chelsea is still respectable.

``I haven't managed to play much this year,'' continued Shevchenko. ``Whether for physical problems or technical reasons.

``But in the game I have played in I managed to make a small contribution with seven goals.

``The language? I manage to communicate, I manage to speak to my team-mates, but I am very far from perfection.''

When asked about the Milan derby, Shevchenko has this to say.

``The derby has always been a special game, a great one,'' continued Shevchenko. ``I think this derby will mean more to Milan because they are fighting for fourth place, to play in the Champions League and, above all, it's their home game.

``I have told all my friends in England that, to understand Italian football, you have to go to the Milan derby because it's a spectacular game.

``I give my best wishes to my former team-mates. I know how important it is to win the derby, especially in the race for fourth place.

``I think that the more important games give me a larger rush: the more the game is important the more I manage to give.

``The most important goal I scored in a derby was that in the Champions League semi-final.''