One of my favourite players this season has to be Juliano Belletti.

The versatile 32 year old doesn’t get that many games and yet whenever he’s been called upon to come in and cover, wherever that may be, he’s done a really good job.  One of the things I probably admire about him most is that some players his age might come into a side like Chelsea and be happy to stroll about on a sizeable wage. And let’s be honest, the Premier League must be the hardest league in the world to come in to and make any sort of impression. So, once you’re over 30, it’s almost asking the impossible – as Andriy Shevchenko found out.  

Not so for Belletti though, because firstly, he clearly isn’t at Chelsea just for a last big pay day – the bloke absolutely works his arse off when he’s given a game. And secondly, unlike some over 30’s, Belletti has impressed. Ok, he might not have impressed Avram Grant – but then what did he know about football anyway? – but despite some of Mourinho’s later acquisition’s being questionable to say the least, I’d have to say Juliano Belletti was one of his bargains.

Ok, so I’m gushing with the praise now, but the bloke’s just so likeable. Not only does he seem a totally sound bloke who gets out there and works hard – usually with a smile on his face – but when it comes to really making his mark on a game, does this man ever know how to score a goal?!!

Anyway, according to recent stories in the press, our impressive utility player has decided he’d like a little longer at Chelsea and goes up even further in my estimation when he says “I feel proud and ready to play at least two or three more years at this level. England is the best of all worlds, where technique, tactics, atmosphere, infrastructure and management combine. It’s like the highest possible level of professional football. I thank the heavens every day for letting me taste this amazing life at Chelsea.”

So all I can say is ‘give that man an extension.’

[youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=beJjlR17N3k]

Filed under: Current Players, Videos