[funkdoctorspock]

Makelele seals a move to PSG on a free transfer.

Pretty much defined the holding midfielder role while at Real Madrid and was a major reason why Chelsea won so much during his time there.

Hopefully he has a bit more gas in the tank to help out his new team. Last season they were pretty bad, barely staying up in Ligue 1.

Veteran French midfielder Claude Makelele has been released on a free transfer by Chelsea, allowing him to sign for Paris St Germain.

The 35-year-old, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge, will be unveiled by PSG at a news conference on Monday.

"I wanted this so much that Chelsea gave me the chance to finish my career in my own country," said Makelele.

Makelele joined Chelsea from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2003, costing the Stamford Bridge outfit £16.8m.

Makelele, whose partner and son live in Paris, added: "It's a very important challenge, I hope to enjoy it, and there's also my family.

"I'm coming to bring a little more experience. I'm not coming like a messiah but to teach what I also learned when I was young."

Makelele won two Premier League titles and played 217 times for Chelsea, scoring two goals in the process.

"Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Claude for the service he has given us," said a club statement.

"Claude has been a key part of our trophy success and we wish him well for the future.

"He will always be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in the future either as a player or friend of the club."

Makelele's last match for the club was their Champions League final defeat by Manchester United in Moscow in May.

He retired from international football - for the second time - in June after their disappointing exit from Euro 2008, after winning 71 caps.

Source

[Torque]

Well, he will leave a big gap in Chelsea's squad and I'm not sure that any of their midfielders will be able to replace Makelele.

But that means that the likes of Mikel and Malouda will get to play more.

A lot of changes this summer in Chelsea's squad and I was expecting Makelele to go. Good luck to him at PSG