SAVIO - I WILL STAY
The Italian, on loan from Inter Milan, is believed to have been less than flattering about life at Stamford Bridge, as the club is in turmoil following the shock sacking of Gianluca Vialli.
"I have listened to the words of my Real team-mates Roberto Carlos and Flavio Conceicao, and even Christian Panucci, and they have made me think better of moving," the left winger is quoted as saying.
"I don`t want to leave Real. I just wanted to listen to an interesting offer but now I have decided to carry on and see out my contract for three years.
"I`m happy in Madrid and my family are settled here too.
"I can`t face this situation any more. I don`t know if the clubs are still talking and I`m tired of waiting.
"I`m staying and that is my decision. Right now, I just want to concentrate on playing."
A £9 million deal was struck to take Savio to West London, but Real then played the South American in the Champions League, making him ineligible for Chelsea in the Uefa Cup.
That led to Blues managing director Colin Hutchinson asking for the fee to be reduced, only for Real`s new general manager Jorge Valdano to insist the sum should be higher because the player recently obtained an EC passport.
The wrangling has continued, and obviously frustrated Savio, who had hoped to double his pay by sealing the move at the end of last week. Personal terms had been agreed with the 26-year-old, who was close to officially asking for a transfer in a bid to ensure the deal went ahead.
New coach Claudio Ranieri is an admirer of the wide man and Chelsea have confirmed they will continue to try and clinch his signature this week, but the latest twist in the tale indicates that their prolonged bid to land the Samba star is very much on the rocks.
Ironically, Panucci has gone on record as stating his desire to link up again with his former Real colleague, despite being cited by Savio as one of the influences behind his latest decision to turn his back on the English capital.
"He`s a great player," said the matchwinner against St Gallen. "And I hope he will be able to play for us this season."
Meanwhile, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has played down reports of a rift with Panucci after the two had an angry confrontation during Sunday`s surprise home defeat to Leicester.
"Christian sometimes gets angry with me and I sometimes get angry with him," said the Dutch destroyer.
"It is okay, we have the greatest respect for each other. Everything is done and dusted."
