On the Dotted Line for Five Years

By BlueBlood
July 18 2005

Shaun Wright-Phillips today became a Chelsea player after signing a five-year deal this lunchtime. SWP goes straight into the squad that flies off to the US tomorrow for a three match tour, with games against AC Milan, twice and DC United. All three games will be shown live on Chelsea TV.

SWP was accompanied to Chelsea by his agent Mitchell Thomas and by his step-dad Ian as formalities were concluded. There is a story that last night whilst sitting on the bench during the Benfica friendly that Jose texted SWP to welcome him to the club and said something along the lines of you have got the No.7 shirt. SWP texted back and said that he wanted the No.24 shirt, so Jose backed down and said OK!

The reason why SWP wanted the No.24 shirt was as he explained ""It’s the date my son was born, He loves football."

He knows plenty of the Chelsea team from England, England Under 21s, his kit sponsor and his youth — he was playing against and becoming friends with Joe Cole when they were still at school.

He knows he is going to be competing for places with Cole, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff. "That’s fine by me," he says, "I never expected to be in anywhere and walk into any team to be honest with you. Competition is just healthy really and will help make me a better player. I just want to try and get some medals and be a regular part of the team. I want to play well for myself and for the fans, and for the coaching staff."

Chief executive Peter Kenyon added: "We’re delighted that Shaun has joined us. He’ll be a fantastic asset to the team and squad. This carries on the Chelsea policy of investing in young, top English talent."

Welcome Shaun, I honestly hope you DO NOT become a 'benchwarmer.'