Bridge signs new contract at Chelsea
Tuesday, 15 Jul 2008 20:16
Wayne Bridge happy at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea In Focus
Good, bad or just the same old, same old? What the fans made of the 2007/08 season. Full Story
Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge has signed a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old England international had been linked with a move to
Portsmouth, but has now committed his future to the Blues.
"We are delighted that Wayne has committed himself to Chelsea for the next four years," said Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon
"We are fortunate at Chelsea that we have the two best left-backs in England and it is a source of pride for us.
"Wayne's new deal also underlines the club's commitment to maintaining a strong English core to our squad."
Chelsea manager Luis Felipe Scolari said he was "very pleased" that Bridge had signed a new contract and described him as "one of the best professionals at the club".
Bridge was one of the first arrivals at Stamford Bridge under the Roman Abramovich revolution when he moved from Southampton for £7 million.
The left-back has made 81 appearances for Chelsea. He was a regular in the first couple of seasons, but his first team appearances have been limited since the arrival of Ashley Cole in 2006.
Bridge has won 30 senior caps for England despite being an understudy to his club team-mate Cole.