Maniche completes Chelsea switch
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Article summary
Portugal midfielder Maniche has joined Chelsea FC on a six-month loan move from FC Dinamo Moskva which could become permanent at the end of the season.
Article body
Portugual midfield player Maniche has joined Chelsea FC's ever impressive ranks after agreeing a six-month loan move from FC Dinamo Moskva.
Mourinho reunion
The 28-year-old initially joins as cover for the injured Michael Essien and Geremi who, along with striker Didier Drogba, could be unavailable for up to six matches as they participate in the African Cup of Nations. The English champions could make the move permanent at the end of the season, but for now Maniche is simply happy to be reunited with Chelsea manager José Mourinho.
Prolific relationship
"He's the best coach I've worked under," said Maniche, a UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League winner under Mourinho at FC Porto and one of the stars of UEFA EURO 2004™. "He became more of a friend than a boss and I've never seen that kind of closeness from another coach in all the years I've been a footballer."
European ambition
Dinamo have not played in European competition this season, so Maniche could represent Chelsea in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League if he is registered by the Premiership leaders. The Londoners face the Spanish champions FC Barcelona in the last 16.
