Pizarro, Claudio (2007-2009)

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Claudio Pizarro (2007-2009)

Written by Alan and last updated August 2009

Claudio Pizarro signed for Chelsea in June 2007 on a free transfer from Bayern Munich and adds some depth to our striking department. He will wear the number 14 shirt, which was Geremi's before his departure to Newcastle United. With the departure of Kalou and Drogba to the African Cup of Nations in the early months of 2008, Pizarro is likely to play a prominent role in our push for honours.

'The Bomber of the Andes' started his career at Deportivo Pesquero, a provincial team in the north of Peru. He made his debut aged 17 and scored 11 goals in 41 appearances for the club, before moving to another Peruvian club, Allianz Lima, a top division side in 1997. It was here that he was to attract the attention of Werder Bremen who bought him in 1999 after he had spent two seasons at Allianz Lima.

In those two seasons he scored 25 goals and helped Allianz win the Torneo Clausura of Peru.

As well as moving to Werder Bremen in 2001, Pizarro made his first international appearance for Peru in the same year. At Bremen he was to further enhance his growing reputation, scoring 29 goals in 55 appearances. In the summer of 2001, a scramble for his services ensued, with rumours that Real Madrid were showing an interest. Eventually he signed for Bayern Munich in June 2001.

Pizarro was to prove an talismanic player for Bayern, and played a key role in their 2003 league and cup double. He started his Bayern career with a bang, scoring four minutes into his debut against Schalke 04. Pizarro playing for Bayern Munich

In his six years at Bayern, Pizarro made 249 appearances and scored 99 goals. His contract expired in the summer of 2007 and he rejected a contract extension, paving the way for his move to Chelsea.

Pizarro scored two goals at this years Copa America, helping Peru to the Quarter-Finals of the competition. Overall he has 29 caps for Peru, and has scored 10 goals. He wears the number 14 shirt, the same number shirt he will wear at Chelsea.

Chelsea fans will have been encouraged with what they saw of Pizarro at the Copa America. He is clearly good in the air but is also equally apt with the ball at his feet. He also likes scoring against Arsenal, as his time as a Bayern player showed. Upon signing for Chelsea, Pizarro commented "We have many chances to win titles here and that's what I want."

In his first league appearance Pizarro grabbed his first goal for the club, scoring the second goal in our 3-2 victory over Birmingham. It would be a while before the lanky Peruvian would score again. His shot against QPR that rebounded off the post and Lee Camp's back was deemed to be an own goal.

However, his next goal came shortly afterwards, and was against the same opponents as his first.

He headed in a vital winner from Beletti's corner away to B'ham, a win that kept us in touch with Arsenal and Man Utd. Scolari has said that he wants to work with a maximum of 25 players and it is highly likely that Pizarro will be deemed surplus to requirements and shipped out.

Updated by Loz August 2009

In August 2008 Pizarro was sent on a season long loan to previous employees Werder Bremen. He did well there scoring 17 goals and helping them reach the UEFA Cup final which they lost 2-1 (after extra time) to Shakhtar Donetsk. Pizarro returned to Chelsea when his loan expired however when Bremen approached Chelsea with a view to making the move permanent we didn't take much persuading. The fee was not disclosed.