CLAUDE MAKÉLÉLÉ
CHELSEA

Part of Chelsea's big spending spree, Claude is a steady, skilled defensive midfielder who established himself as an important part of both Real Madrid’s and France's line up.

Born in Kinshasa, he began his career in France with a 5 year stint at Nantes. He briefly went to Marseille before going to Spain and spending 2 years with Celta Vigo.

A move to the champions in 2000, saw him immediately make his mark at the top of Spanish football and win a place among Real’s All-Star lineup. He has embraced his role watching Zinedine Zidane’s back and brings his belief in team play to a side with incredible individual stars.

After a bitter contract dispute he left Real and moved to Chelsea in a big money move where he continues to get the job done and again demonstrated his worth internationally with a great showing at the 2006 World Cup.

PHOTOS

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Claude getting down and dirty with AC Milan's
Paolo Maldini (AP)

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