The Moos Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Just read this on chelseafc.com MAKELELE CALLS IT A DAYFormer Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has announced he will retire from football at the end of the season. 'Maka', who won two Premier League titles during his five-year stay at Stamford Bridge, is currently captain of Paris St. Germain, whom he joined from the Blues on a free transfer in the summer of 2008. Now 37, Makelele believes it is time to call it a day at the end of the current campaign. 'It's really my last season. My future is behind me. Today it's my last season, but tomorrow that could change,' he said, hinting that he could still be swayed. Having heard rumours earlier in the season, both John Terry and Frank Lampard have sent wishes of support to their former team-mate. Chelsea's captain and vice-captain have paid their own tributes to the anchorman, who played 217 times in Chelsea colours, scoring twice. Makelele began his career with Nantes and had spells with Marseille, Celta Vigo and Real Madrid before becoming one of Roman Abramovich's first signings in the summer of 2003. John Terry For me, Maka is one of the best players I played with and since he left I realised how good he is. The role he played, he broke up so much play, gave the ball over 10, 15 yards, tackled well and was good in the air for such a small man. He was a really nice guy to have around the dressing room, with a lot of experience as well. He was one of the older players in the team but worked very hard in training and everyone loved him, he will always be welcome back here. He didn't just come in and worry about himself, he worried about everyone else and tried to improve them as well. Frank Lampard Good luck to him in his new career, whatever it is. He was a fantastic partner, the best midfield player I have played with in my career, and more than that a great man so I wish him success for the future. He was so easy to work with because he was a friend, very funny off the pitch and a winner on it, so he was a perfect team-mate. He brought a very strong mentality to the club when he arrived from Real Madrid, where he won big things. He always offered advice and set a standard with the way he played. He helped me greatly in my career. Is it just me or is Makelele perhaps one of the most underrated players in history? Whenever you read about superstars, you read about Ronaldo, Kaka, Beckham, Drogba, Rooney, Zidane etc. You never read about Makelele. Yet, he has brought success everywhere. It's basically only the players who really appreciated how brilliant he really was. When Gerrard was asked who the best and toughest opponent he had played against he said Makelele. One of the few great things Gerrard has every said ;) Personally I've always been a fan of Makelele and I have to say that reading that he will retire makes me a bit sad. I really hope he'll come back as a coach or something and perhaps returns to Chelsea to teach the young lads all he knows. Perhaps could give Mikel some extra training as well :) Here's to Makelele - the best defensive midfielder the world has ever seen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkw Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 goodbye Chelsea`s tripod, Though I never knew you at all You had the grace to hold yourself While those around you crawled They crawled out of the woodwork And they whispered into your brain They set you on the treadmill And they made you change your name Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve25cfc Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 (edited) Just read this on chelseafc.comIs it just me or is Makelele perhaps one of the most underrated players in history? Whenever you read about superstars, you read about Ronaldo, Kaka, Beckham, Drogba, Rooney, Zidane etc. You never read about Makelele. Yet, he has brought success everywhere. It's basically only the players who really appreciated how brilliant he really was. When Gerrard was asked who the best and toughest opponent he had played against he said Makelele. One of the few great things Gerrard has every said ;) Personally I've always been a fan of Makelele and I have to say that reading that he will retire makes me a bit sad. I really hope he'll come back as a coach or something and perhaps returns to Chelsea to teach the young lads all he knows. Perhaps could give Mikel some extra training as well :) Here's to Makelele - the best defensive midfielder the world has ever seen love to see him back at chelsea, one of my favourite moments when he missed pen & netted the rebound. great player Edited February 25, 2010 by steve25cfc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makelele's Ukelele Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 A truly world class player, and unfortunately one that we have never really replaced. I used to love that cheeky look he had whenever he was pulled up on a foul. Butter wouldnt melt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Not sure about under rated......how many other players have a position named after them. But i do agree that attacking players get a lot more limelight than defensive players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Bridges Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Not sure about under rated......how many other players have a position named after them.But i do agree that attacking players get a lot more limelight than defensive players. Only fools and people who talk, but dont know football, under rate him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueDay Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 His footballing brain was a huge gift. One of the smartest players to grace the game. I dont think we will see a defensive midfielder as good as him for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHedges Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 His footballing brain was a huge gift. One of the smartest players to grace the game.I dont think we will see a defensive midfielder as good as him for a long time. Agreed, and I don't think the world will see a defensive midfielder as good as him for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modueke Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 A quality player who changed our team. I thought his exit from Chelsea was all very quiet and low key which surprised me. I wonder what he will do now with his time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjd Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 A quality player who changed our team. I thought his exit from Chelsea was all very quiet and low key which surprised me.I wonder what he will do now with his time. If he has any sense he will spend every second of his new found time with his missus. Her from the M&S ads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paraphil Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 The only player I ever watched who always played with that big grin on his face. A class act and true Chelsea legend. Here's to you, 'Maka'. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjd Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 The only player I ever watched who always played with that big grin on his face.A class act and true Chelsea legend. Mustve missed a certain Sardinian then! But your sentiments are bang on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluevale2 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 I really hope he'll come back as a coach or something and perhaps returns to Chelsea to teach the young lads all he knows. Perhaps could give Mikel some extra training as well That might not be a bad idea! Happy retirement Maka, you truly are a world-class player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 My most enduring memory of him is playing for Real Madrid against ManUre in the quater final of the CL. Over those two legs he made Roy Keane his personal bitch. Everytime Mr. Mental got the ball, Maka just took it off him. If he hadn't been injured for the subsequent semi-final Madrid would have pissed the CL that season. A truly world class player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maksimov Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 One of my favorite Maka moments is from a match against Liverpool in which he totally marked Crouch out of the game. He just wasn't getting near the ball, not even the crosses. Somehow Maka was able to keep him away from the ball and Crouch kept complaining to the referee that Maka was somehow breaking the rules, but Maka just kept on grinning and got on with his game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Moos Posted February 25, 2010 Author Share Posted February 25, 2010 One of my favorite Maka moments is from a match against Liverpool in which he totally marked Crouch out of the game. He just wasn't getting near the ball, not even the crosses. Somehow Maka was able to keep him away from the ball and Crouch kept complaining to the referee that Maka was somehow breaking the rules, but Maka just kept on grinning and got on with his game. It's kinda hilarious to imagine Maka have Crouch in his pocket. I mean, look at the size of the players. Not even if you add the size of Makas penis can he reach Crouch's hight :scarfcfc: My favourite moment just has to be the penalty he scored on. Not only had he practised penalties before the game, missing everyone I've heard, but be missed the one in the game as well and didn't even get a clean shot off on the rebound, but managed to touch the ball so it bounced over the keeper. The best thing was however the reaction from the rest of the team. I mean, it wasn't a trophy winning goal, but almost every Chelsea player/staff (on and off the bench) just rushed to congratulate him. I can't remember seeing so much happiness for a goal before or after that one. Amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad_mac Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Not sure about under rated......how many other players have a position named after them.But i do agree that attacking players get a lot more limelight than defensive players. Totally agree Alex, I remember when he arrived chatting to a few of the folk on here at a couple of games and we were all "what do you make of Makelele?" Lots of "unsure, he seems to only pass sideways, etc." However, the more you watched him the more you realised just how effective he was. Don't be fooled by the all out attacking players, Makelele was integral in us winning what we won with him in the team! As you say, I've never heard a winger being called the "Ronaldo, or Beckham, role!" Great man, and glad to see him retiring gracefuly at 37 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riccardo Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 My favourite memory of Maka was the game (or the game after) we won our first premiership, and he was subbed in the 85th minute, to be greeted by an enormous bear hug from Jose on the side line. He played the full 90 minutes every game, and was only subbed on that occasion to have the opportunity to be individually applauded by the fans. That gesture surely demonstrated how important he was thought of by Jose. Absolute freaking legend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHL_blue Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Thank you Maka for all that you've done for us. We've missed you since you left and you'll always be a Chelsea legend. Let us know when you're going to visit the Bridge next time and I'll be there to greet you. Best of luck on whatever you decide to do - preferably a coaching role with us. Now take a bow :P ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkw Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 If he has any sense he will spend every second of his new found time with his missus. Her from the M&S ads. unfortunately for the large donged one they split a while ago apparently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zola Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I miss Maka!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonetti Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 unfortunately for the large donged one they split a while ago apparently. or rather - she did Wonder who the new Ms Bagpuss is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkw Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 or rather - she didWonder who the new Ms Bagpuss is? :D thats brilliant, you sick sod... ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikstaw Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Ex-Chelsea player - Claude Makelele announced this weekend his football retirement. 37-year-old player will play his last season under the wings of Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season. Along with its end, finished his lush, fruitful career. We, by the end of Chelsea fans will remember his "leg of the magnet" that are sure to sign up the golden syllables of the football cards, and pass into legend. The Frenchman confirmed its decision on the pages of one of their numerous television. Mac spent at Stamford Bridge five years, scoring two goals in 144 appearances for the English football fields. Interestingly, Makalele never scored goals for the national team, while being extremely useful in it. from: www.chelseafc.com.pl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PloKoon13 Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Chelsea fans will remember his "third leg of the women magnet" I had to make a slight edit here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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