The Sports Bookie Blog

Shevchenko : I may leave Chelsea

£30 million striker Andriy Shevchenko has admitted for the first time that he could leave Chelsea

The Ukranian moved to Stamford Bridge from AC Milan in the summer but has failed to show the sort of form which made him one of Europe’s deadliest strikers over the last decade.

Shevchenko now admits he could leave London because his game is not suited to the style of Blues boss Jose Mourinho. The 30 year-old told the Daily Mirror: “I feel at home at Chelsea, and it’s felt like my team for a long time, but unfortunately my game doesn’t suit Mourinho.

“Everyone has been writing about me being sent on loan to Milan. I still haven’t discussed this question with the management, but the bosses themselves probably still haven’t decided.

“But if it happens, I’m ready to pack my bags. I’m a completely self-confident person. If I don’t suit somebody then I’ll go back to Italy, no problem, and prove how good I can still be.

Shevchenko was signed by Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich after the Russian finally persuaded AC Milan to sell. “Roman is my friend and completely on my side,” admits Shevchenko

“But all he could do was insist on a loan deal instead of me being sold.

“I do understand Mourinho – I’m not scoring as many as I would like to – so even Abramovich isn’t really putting his foot down over it, although he could do as the owner of the club. Of course I will be sorry to leave London if it comes to that. Firstly because of my family, who have already made a new life here.

“My wife Kristen was so happy with the move – she’s American and finally found herself in an English-speaking country. It’s clear I won’t move Kristen and our sons back to Milan.”

Add comment December 7th, 2006

Steelers face Browns on Thursday to open Week 14

Ben Roethlisberger looks to remain unbeaten in his career against the Cleveland Browns when the Pittsburgh Steelers host their AFC North Division rivals Thursday night.

Roethlisberger attended Findlay High School, which is roughly 125 miles from Cleveland, and was the runner-up for 1999 Mr. Football honors in Ohio. He went on to star at Miami (Ohio), rewriting virtually every school record.

In his career, Roethlisberger has won all four of his starts against the Browns. The last time the teams met was November 19, when Roethlisberger engineered a trio of touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to help Pittsburgh rally for a 24-20 victory.

Roethlisberger overcame a poor start in that contest and completed 25-of-44 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. In his career vs. Cleveland, Roethlisberger owns a 63.4 completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 83.1.

Despite winning three of their last four games, the Steelers (5-7) dug themselves too large a hole early this season and have virtually no chance of defending their Super Bowl title. Nine teams in the AFC have a better record than the Steelers.

Cleveland (4-8) is looking to carry momentum from a victory last Sunday.

With injured starting quarterback Charlie Frye watching from the sideline, backup Derek Anderson spearheaded the Browns to a 31-28 overtime triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Anderson, who had played in just one game in his first two seasons, was 12-of-21 for 171 yards, two TDs and an interception. Frye, who suffered a right wrist injury in the first half, is questionable for this contest.

BETTING AT PINNACLESPORTS :

Oddsmakers currently have the Steelers listed as 7-point favorites versus the Browns, while the game’s total is sitting at 33.

Add comment December 7th, 2006