Carlo to leave ....

[Star]

I've had it on good authority today that Cudicini will return to Italy before the start of the season. Thanks for the memories Carlo, up there with the Cat, Steady Eddie and Cech as the best Chelsea keepers of all time.

[Lofty]

Of course I hope you're mistaken, but if we're honest we have to admit he's far too good a keeper to be on the bench for most of the season. Which in itself is the only thing that prevents him from being, as you say, up there with the best. Can't blame him at all, sad to say.

But if you are right about this, I think should Valerie will be most upset

[loz]

That is my choice of four as well Star - in this order

Cech

The Cat

Steady Eddie

Carlo

If Carlo is to leave I hope he goes somewhere where he can finish his career as first choice. It will leave us looking around for a new backup keeper.

[Mod]

Hilario done good when called upon Loz, is he still knocking about? and what about the other guy who hasnt even had a game?

Good choice for Carlo, he was great hanging on for as long as he did. Saw an interview sometime back on Chelsea TV, his other half still lived in Italy, so I guess theres more reasons not to stay another season.

[Maksimov]

what about the other guy who hasnt even had a game?

Hedman?

[bjd]

Has someone checked to see if Val is safe and well ?

[Alan]

what about the other guy who hasnt even had a game?

Hedman?

I heard he's going back into retirement.

[loz]

Hilario done good when called upon Loz, is he still knocking about? and what about the other guy who hasnt even had a game?

Good choice for Carlo, he was great hanging on for as long as he did. Saw an interview sometime back on Chelsea TV, his other half still lived in Italy, so I guess theres more reasons not to stay another season.

I think Carlo is divorced but I could be wrong. For me Hilario is as good as you could ever hope a 3rd choice keeper to be but not up to being a 2nd choice one. Hedman will be gone and Hedman is also rubbish!

[Mod]

Maybe it was his mistress then?

I think Hilario is good, adapted well after a while, but you could be right, maybe need a second choice, but would a quality second choice 'Name', be as happy as Carlo playing bits here and there, I doubt it.

[TomP]

Would not surprise me at all if this happens - although I have been expecting to see Carlo leave every summer and January since JM took over.

He's just too good a keeper to be second choice (or even third choice, as he was on a couple of occaisions this season)- for me, on top form he is one of the top 10 keepers in the world - and he's still young enough to get back there again.

If he does go, I would be quite happy with Hilario as number 2. But, we should look to sign a youngster for the number 3 slot.

[Guest Brian M]

I've had it on good authority today that Cudicini will return to Italy before the start of the season. Thanks for the memories Carlo, up there with the Cat, Steady Eddie and Cech as the best Chelsea keepers of all time.

I do hope you're right. I want him to leave. He's a great, great, GREAT keeper who deserves to be first choice in a big team. It's unfortunate for him we've got Cech otherwise he'd still be number one.

Plus, he's been a fantastic servant of the club. Never complained about being number 2 in the press. Never made waves. And he was the best keeper in the premiership until Cech got here. I want him to go to Italy. Show them all how good he is. Then get into the Italian team.

I'm a long time member of the Carlo fan club and he deserves to play.

[Butch]

Be sad to see the day, really. I know I'm selfish with this view, but he is a personal favorite of mine as well. It's just that nobody could or should get ahead of Cech at the moment, such is the quality of our number one. But if he does leave, and I have to say Star's track record of breaking these types of news is nothing if not stellar, I wish him all the best. Can't see us signing as good a number two from anywhere; which is another reason I'm a bit disappointed by this news. Better buy Cech another cap, and some cotton wool!

Cheers,

Butch

[Gem]

I've had it on good authority today that Cudicini will return to Italy before the start of the season. Thanks for the memories Carlo, up there with the Cat, Steady Eddie and Cech as the best Chelsea keepers of all time.

Thanks for the information Star, sad news indeed, but I think we can all pretty much accept it.

Sorry to change the subject, just wondering if you had any knowledge of the Terry & Lampard contract situation?

[Valerie]

Has someone checked to see if Val is safe and well ?

I'm not! But I will delay falling apart until the rumour is confirmed. TomP and Brian M are right though: he deserves to play, he's a first class goalie. I only wish he would play more for us

Now, where is the nearest church to light a candle and mumble a prayer ?

[dkw]

i saw somewhere wed released that young german keeper, and that yves makakakabamalamadingdong is signing for some scottish team. leaving us a bit short on keepers over all.

[Alan]

That young German keeper you're referring to is Hamman I think.

I also read that Hibs are interested in Makalamby.

[loz]

Makalamby came up to Edinburgh for a trial with Hibs with a view to a permanent move but Chelsea recalled him when we had yet another goalkeeper crisis - can't remember which agame it was but I remember Hedman and Hilario and Cech were all out (or Cech, Carlo and Hedman - can't quite remember) - not sure what happenened after that.

[Alan]

I saw the Makalamby --> Hibs rumour in the BBC Gossip column a few days ago.

[Jimboola69]

If Carlo wants to leave we should give him a free. He has been a great sevant and has not been a moany moo like some are.

Good wishes to the guy.

About time we brought a good youngster to bring through.

[mad_mac]

He sat in the wings patiently while we had Ed De Goey, adn then when his chance cmae, he was brilliant. I will miss Carlo if he leaves, but I would much rather see him elsewhere continuing to ply his trade than sitting on our bench only playing very occassionally.

He gave everything to our club....even after ust seeing Cech knocked out. I was gutted he didn't get a winner's medal with us for the EPl. I would have loved to see him fully enjoy the celebrations of getting a medal when repeating the League.

Forza Carlo

PS. I could maybe see him going to a smaller Serie A team, or Top Serie B team, I think he will be overlooked by the top flight tems in the Serie A

Scott

[icecoolguy22]

Just a thought - Raneri should pick him for Parama, he knows how good Carlo is.. For his career sake, he should leave and play regular football, of course no one will complain if he sees his career out with us.

Great player and an even better person..

[Jimboola69]

Why not Milan?

he is no worse than Dida!

[andy]

I met Carlo at Heathrow about a year ago, just after an article in Chelsea Magazine about his ambitions to be a pilot. It was clear from this, and also an Interview I heard with John terry that Carlo's ambitions lie outside football.

I asked him , and I would say he was more enthusiastic to answer questions about his flying than he was football or Chelsea.

Reading between the lines. I would say he was very content in England and wanted to continue his flying training here. And he was just playing out his days at Chelsea where he is said so many times he is very happy.

Of course his feelings could have changed.

So until it is official