Chelsea star Claude Makelele has signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Claude Makelele has committed himself to Chelsea for the rest of his career after signing a new contract.The 32-year-old has proved to be a key component of the Chelsea side that has claimed a domestic double this season, and should now see out his playing days at Stamford Bridge.
A tremendous season for the former French international was capped as he scored his first goal for four years as The Blues beat Charlton 1-0 to spark their Premiership celebrations.
The news will certainly come as a boost to boss Jose Mourinho as he looks to take the London club on to greater feats, as Makelele is widely recognised as one of the finest defensive midfielders in Europe.
The former Real Madrid man, who joined as one of the first additions of the Roman Abramovich era, expressed his delight at penning a new deal and insisted it was in recognition of his efforts over the course of the season.
"I signed a new contract this week and I am very happy," Makelele told the News of the World, who reported that the duration of the contract is for three years.
"It was a fantastic season for us. We won the Premiership and the Carling Cup and I've signed a new deal to stay at Chelsea for life.
"It is what I wanted but also an indication of how great this club is for its players and the recognition of all the efforts I make.
"After we won the title my close friend and agent Jamie Ladjemi sat down with chief executive Peter Kenyon and it was all concluded in a matter of minutes."Jose was very happy with me and for me when I signed.
"I am ecstatic at the chance I was given to finish my career with him.
"We are champions, I have signed a new deal and now I'm going on holiday.
"Life doesn't get better than this, and next season we'll be back to do it again."
Another Chelsea man who could be set for a new deal is keeper Carlo Cudicini, after Mourinho admitted he wants to hand the Italian an extension to his current three year agreement.
Cudicini was one of the most impressive custodians in the Premiership last year, although has hardly featured at Stamford Bridge this time around due to the form of Petr Cech.
With both Arsenal and Manchester United rumoured to be interested in the 31-year-old Mourinho has declared that he intends to keep hold of the former Lazio man.
"Carlo knows we love him, he knows the club and the supporters love him," said Mourinho.
"He also knows that since the first minute Petr gave Carlo no chance, he was absolutely outstanding.
"But Carlo has three years on his contract and we want to offer him a new one."
