Claude Makelele is a Chelsea player no longer after Paris St Germain announced that they have reached a deal with the veteran French midfielder.
Terms of the deal will be announced at a a news conference in Paris later today, during which the 35-year-old, who retired from France after Euro 2008, is expected to be officially presented.
The news effectively puts and end to Makelele's five year stay at Stamford Bridge, during which he solidified his reputation as one of the world's most effective holding midfielders.
His influence waned somewhat last season, however, with now ex Chelsea boss Avram Grant preferring younger and fresher legs.
The ex-Real Madrid man’s departure follows that of Steve Sidwell, who recently signed for Aston Villa after failing to make an impact in west London, while Frank Lampard’s future remains up in the air.
Makelele and Lampard were integral members of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, and their exits would effectively signal the end of the Special One's reign and the beginning of Scolari's.
The news effectively puts and end to Makelele's five year stay at Stamford Bridge, during which he solidified his reputation as one of the world's most effective holding midfielders.
His influence waned somewhat last season, however, with now ex Chelsea boss Avram Grant preferring younger and fresher legs.
The ex-Real Madrid man’s departure follows that of Steve Sidwell, who recently signed for Aston Villa after failing to make an impact in west London, while Frank Lampard’s future remains up in the air.
Makelele and Lampard were integral members of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, and their exits would effectively signal the end of the Special One's reign and the beginning of Scolari's.
