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

Wright's praise for Mendy

TV pundit Ian Wright has paid tribute to ‘inspirational’ Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after he was recently voted as the world’s best goalkeeper at the FIFA The Best awards.

Speaking on his podcast, as quoted by Metro, the Arsenal legend speaks of Edou’s ‘unbelievable’ rise to the top.

‘Mendy, getting best goalkeeper in the world. Did you see the celebrations when the guys were clapping him in his (Senegal) camp?’ asked Wright to his podcast guests.

‘What it means to those players, his country, for him to get the best goalkeeper in the world. I’m not sure people understand what that means to an African player.

‘You look at where he was six years ago and where he is now and what’s happened. The inspiration that will give to not only goalkeepers in Africa, but goalkeepers in general everywhere.

‘I’m delighted he’s been voted the best goalkeeper in the world. It’s an unbelievable story and I want to hear him tell it at some stage.’

De Ligt among defensive targets

Chelsea are reportedly ‘on the trail’ of Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt ahead of a summer move to the Blues.

That is according to Sports Witness, who say Chelsea are ‘willing to go crazy’ for his signature.

‘Towards the end of last month, we covered claims made in Italy that Chelsea are ready to battle Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt. Barcelona are also in the picture to acquire the services of the Juventus star,’ the report states.

‘According to La Repubblica, the La Liga side and the Bavarian club, along with the Blues, are "on the trail" of the defender for the next summer.

‘It’s claimed the Netherlands international is "positioned to leave" the Serie A side after this season and his agent has "set the price" of €65m.

‘With the asking price set, Barcelona will have to make the resources available, if they are to acquire the Dutchman’s services,’ the report continues.

‘Along with Xavi’s side, Bayern and the Champions League winners Chelsea "remain at the window" for the Juventus defender, with La Repubblica stressing that Chelsea are "willing to go crazy" for De Ligt.’

Malouda recalls fond memories

Chelsea Champions League winner Florent Malouda has recounted the events of our magical night in Munich in 2012, when we won the competition for the first time.

The Frenchman spoke in detail with the Daily Mail on his Chelsea career as a whole and Malouda points to the confidence within the squad that year, despite being underdogs.

'We believed. Maybe that's the year where everybody wrote us off, but mentally we were prepared to die on the pitch,’ he said.

'Mentally we were ready to do anything to win, we were not thinking football, tactics or anything,’ he added. ‘We said just one trophy and we will make history and go back home with it.

'I cannot tell you one reason why we won this game the way we won it, but the scenario was perfect.

‘And I think this is something that unites us forever. The first time a London club won the Champions League and with this incredible squad of players.’