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Crespo pledges Chelsea future

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has dismissed talk of a summer departure from Stamford Bridge and vowed to become a success in England.

The talented Argentinian hitman has endured an indifferent first season in The Premiership but remains adamant that a return to Serie A is not on the horizon.

Crespo has reportedly been offered as a makeweight in a possible deal for Juventus striker David Trezeguet - a prospect which fails to daunt the player.

''I refuse to leave Chelsea despite the fact that it looks like they could have contacted as many as 20 forwards,'' Crespo told the Daily Star.

''I came to London to succeed and I know I'll do that.

''The speculation about how many strikers might join Chelsea does not bother me, or that I should be sold.''

Crespo continued to discuss how Chelsea are more than capable of overturning a two goal deficit against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League - sentiments which echo those of team-mate Frank Lampard.

The in-form England international believes Chelsea should draw on Milan and Real Madrid's shock exits as sources for inspiration on the eve of their crucial clash.

''What happened to Milan and Madrid can inspire us,'' declared Lampard. ''We know we're capable of doing it.

''We just have to be at our best. If we are, then I'm really confident we can go through.

''We were written off after we drew 1-1 with Arsenal. It's now important we have the same focus for Monaco and put in the same sort of performance we did at Highbury.''

Lampard insists Chelsea can triumph at Stamford Bridge - claiming the first leg scoreline is not as bleak as many have claimed.

''Possibly the result in Monaco was painted blacker than it really was,'' he continued.

''If you put it into context, 3-1 away isn't a terrible result, especially not if you look at the UEFA Champions League this season.

''We have to set our stall out to be strong and try to ensure we take our chances.''

Meanwhile, Walter Samuel's agent Raul Oliveros claims Chelsea have made a huge offer to lure his client away from Roma.

''Chelsea's offer is huge and will be impossible for both the player and Roma to refuse,'' confirmed Oliveros.