These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Ramires on Lampard’s footballing qualities

In an interview with the Mirror, Ramires has spoken about his experience of playing alongside Frank Lampard at Chelsea, giving some insight into the qualities which his former team-mate has brought into his job as head coach of the Blues.

‘I knew Frank very well. His understanding of positional play is one of the best I have come across and he was always paying attention to movement so it’s easy if you’ve got eyes for such things,’ said the Brazilian.

‘He had passion for the game and he had love and the energy was there and when there is that in the eyes, it’s easy.’

Ramires added that the famous goal he scored at Camp Nou in the 2012 Champions League semi-finals was testament to Lampard’s ability.

‘You just have to look at my goal against Barcelona to tell his awareness I remember that I just ran in the goal direction to wait for the pass. The ball came and the rest is history,’ he said.

‘Sometimes, I have an impression that this goal is more remembered for Chelsea fans than the title (laughs). I can’t find words to describe that moment. I felt truly blessed.’

Roberto Carlos nearly became a Blue

Roberto Carlos has told Goal.com he was close to joining Chelsea in 2007 but saw the move fall through at the 11th hour.

The former Brazil left-back was due to leave Read Madrid that summer and said he received offers from the Blues and Turkish side Fenerbahce.

‘With Chelsea, it got very close,’ he said.’ It was literally agreed and I just had to go there and sign the contract.

‘It was just a week before I signed for Fenerbahce and I had been to Paris to meet both Roman Abramovich and (former chief executive) Peter Kenyon.

‘Unfortunately, in the final moments something didn't work out just before finalising, which happens a lot in football. There was an issue with the lawyer.

‘It was all agreed, though, and I am 100 per cent sure I would have done well in the Premier League and it would have suited my characteristics.’

Kante’s new look gets big reaction

The Sun has recorded the amazement of some Chelsea fans after seeing N’Golo Kante without his shaven-headed look for the first time since he arrived in the Premier League.

In photos taken at Cobham on Tuesday when the players returned to training for the first time in two months, the 29-year-old could be seen with a full head of hair, prompting a big reaction from supporters.

‘Fans were forced to double-take after images of the Frenchman's new look did the rounds on social media,’ stated the paper.

‘One said: “Kante having hair is one of the many crazy things to come out of these times...”

‘Another, slightly more excited supporter, added: “KANTE HAS HAIR!!! I REPEAT KANTE HAS HAIR.”

‘And one claimed: “The world is absolutely not ready for Kante with hair.”’