Sheva fires back at critics

Andrei Shevchenko claims he is being made a scapegoat for Chelsea's problems.

Shevchenko has failed to find his true form since his summer move from Milan and his lack of goals has been a cause of concern for many in West London.

However, while admitting his form has not been the best, Shevchenko has been left upset by off-field controversies.

Reports have suggested that his relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is causing unrest in the camp, with some suggesting it has been undermining the authority of Blues coach Jose Mourinho.

Shevchenko has broken his silence on the affair and has claimed that Chelsea's problems are not down to him.

"I am being made a scapegoat for things that have nothing to do with me," he said in an interview with The Times.

Shevchenko's former club Milan are believed to be monitoring the player's situation, but he has no plans to walk out on Chelsea.

"My contract runs for four years (until 2010)," he said. "I am here now and I am staying here. I am continuing to work to fit inside the team. I have been attacked from all sides but I intend to carry on. I will grit my teeth. I am not a quitter. I just want to be kept out of the politics."

Commenting on his relationship with Abramovich, Shevchenko added: "There are things written about my relationship with Roman Abramovich which have been over-exaggerated

"My relationship with him is the same as every other player. He's the president and I am a player - it is entirely professional.

"I see Abramovich in the dressing-room sometimes or occasionally at training. We might have a quick word with each other but that is natural as we both speak Russian. Maybe I shouldn't speak Russian. Maybe that gives people the wrong idea.

"A lot of things have been said which aren't true. They have caused a lot of hurt to myself and my family. I am a footballer, not a politician. My job is to play, that's all. It is what I've been doing since I was nine years old. People are crossing the limits in what they are saying about me. It is bull***t."

Shevchenko is eager to help Chelsea in their key clash with Liverpool, live on Sky Sports 1, on Saturday, but he is aware that Mourinho may leave him kicking his heels on the bench.

"If he decides I am not capable, I just have to work harder," the striker noted. "It doesn't matter what I think."