MALOUDA LOVES CHELSEA

Florent Malouda claims that Chelsea were always his first choice as he closes on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea finally agreed a fee with Lyon for the French international over the weekend after weeks of protracted negotiations and Malouda is expected to undergo a medical at the club on Monday.

Real Madrid and Liverpool had been linked with the left-sided winger, but Malouda insists he always had his heart set on a switch to Chelsea.

"They were my number one choice for many reasons," Malouda told L'Equipe. "I saw several matches there as a spectator and I always enjoyed it very much.

"There was also the coach, who really wanted to have me, and life in London, because I want my family to feel at ease.

"The most important thing was I felt they really wanted me.

"I also feel the kind of football they play suits me quite well."

Malouda also revealed Didier Drogba influenced his decision to link up with Chelsea as the striker urged his former Guingamp team-mate to join him in West London.

"Didier pushed a bit, a lot even," added Malouda. "But then, at Chelsea, that's not enough to recruit a player."

Malouda admitted he was upset at how long the move dragged on for as Lyon held out for the best price possible.

"The (Lyon) president had told me he would let me go and I knew he would be true to his word but the problem was the time it took," continued Malouda.

"He (Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas) is a tough businessman but everybody knew I would leave."

Taken From=football365=