Friday, December 01, 2006

Sheva is committed and hungry

Video Safari

Andriy Shevchenko insists he's happy at Chelsea and not angling for a return to AC Milan.

But Shevchenko, 30, admitted his indifferent form since his £30m arrival during the summer had sparked speculation he is not happy in England.

He told Chelsea's website: "If that means there is opinion and criticism I respect that.

"I give 100% all the time and I am committed and hungry for success with Chelsea, who I have total respect for."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has defended Shevchenko, who has scored just three Premiership goals in 13 outings.

Shevchenko drew another blank in the Blues win at Bolton but Mourinho insisted: "It was a very positive performance from him.

"To be honest, I do not care about goals, I judge players on other items. He knows the way I think about football, I will support him the maximum I can.

"I am told Thierry Henry scored one goal in 12 matches when he moved to Arsenal from Juventus.

"It's not easy to adapt, Italian football is different to English football even though we play the same system as Milan.

"Shevchenko is making a clear improvement, he is very alive on the field.

"I cannot wait for the future when we see the best of him."