Carlton Speaks Out!

Indeed, it is our own Carlton Cole who has added evidence to support the rumour that all is not well between Chelsea and the Argentine striker. Fresh from playing an active part in the U21?s draw against France, the young striker reveals, according to a leading tabloid, that the Argentine striker is considering quitting Chelsea.

After Hernan himself suggested, in midweek, that he is keen to stay at Chelsea and prove that he is committed to the club, Carlton supposedly blows that theory out of the water by suggesting that:

?Crespo is unsettled. He?s an established player and doesn?t play every week ? you can see his problem.?

However, there may be an ulterior motive for Carlton?s outburst. The young striker, in the same article, goes on to indicate that he himself is far from happy with his own situation at Stamford Bridge.

After having played only twenty-eight minutes of competitive football for his club, Carlton is keen for showdown talks with Jose Mourinho. The tall gifted striker, dubbed my ?Young Lion? by previous Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri, remarks:

?I?ll see what the manager wants to do in January but they can get rid of me if they want to.?

However, you cannot help but get the feeling that this line has something of a double meaning and that perhaps Carlton is in danger of being misquoted. Whilst not doubting that it could be translated into a disguised request for a move, delving into another Sunday tabloid sheds light further on this sensitive matter.

Hidden amongst a more substantial amount of text, Carlton explains:

?I am not going to tell Chelsea to sell me because it would be stupid for any player to tell a world class club to sell him.?

Clearly whilst feeling frustrated, Carlton is keen to further his career with Chelsea and despite the inactivity clearly feels that he has the talent to do so, remarking:

?Am I good enough? Of course I am or I wouldn?t be there. I am confident in my ability and I am learning every day. Once I get games you?ll see the fruits.?

With the future of Hernan Crespo at Chelsea plunged into doubt yet again and with Didier Drogba soon to absent due to participation in the forthcoming ?African Nations Cup?, Carlton?s outburst could probably be defined as a career making or breaking moment.

Does Mourinho decide to offload a striker who has promised so much but has had very few opportunities to do so? Does he risk compromising Chelsea?s chances of progressing in Europe (and the Premier League) with a yet unproven striker leading the line?

Or is Carlton merely being lined up as a bit part player in a scenario that?ll see yet more of Abramovich?s millions spent in luring a new striker to Stamford Bridge? We wait with baited breath!