Was it Chelsea or manager Carlo Ancelotti who decided to let you leave London?
It was the club. I know I had the backing of the coach, but unfortunately it didn’t happen and I had move on to my next challenge with Leverkusen. I don’t feel any bitterness towards Chelsea and I hope they keep on winning. Ancelotti is an excellent organiser, they have the footballing ability, character and physical strength. I see them as one of the favourites for the Champions League in 2011. It sounds as if you feel a sense of rejection after being released by Chelsea. Will this inspire you at Leverkusen this season? Not rejection, just a little disappointment, as I played to a high standard last year in the Premier League. I started regularly and I’m proud of the part I played in our Double. As a foreigner in English football, it was even more satisfying. My motivation over the next few months and years will be something entirely different. How do you reflect on your time at Chelsea? It’s a special club where I spent four great years. We won many trophies in my time there, with th
