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

Jorginho takes strength from doubting fans

In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, Jorginho has expressed his thanks to Frank Lampard for keeping faith in him and changing the negative way in which he was viewed by some fans last season.

Having arrived at Stamford Bridge at the same time as his manager at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri, the midfielder found himself under pressure from some segments of our support after opinion turned against the Italian coach.

‘In my opinion, I ended up hearing some things that were honestly unfair,’ said the 28-year-old.

‘But I’ve never challenged the views of the fans and other people who criticised me. Quite the opposite, actually – it gave me strength because inside I knew they were wrong.’

Earning the public support of Lampard was key to winning over those who had doubted him.

‘He’s always spoken very highly of me since he returned to Stamford Bridge and we started working together,’ said Jorginho of our current head coach.

‘Honestly, I thank him for the sincerity he showed towards me in public. He didn’t have to do that, and not every manager does it. He’s a legend inside the club, so people listen to what he says.

‘From that day, I felt everyone began to look at me with different eyes and really pay attention to what I do; how much I’ve devoted myself to achieving the best I can.’

Mertens reportedly keen on London move

There is plenty of talk about the future of Belgian forward Dries Mertens with the Daily Mail reporting he could join Chelsea because of his desire to move to London.

The Blues reportedly missed out on signing the 32-year-old from Napoli in January but with his contract with the Italian side set to expire this summer, there is renewed speculation he could be joining the Blues.

‘Napoli forward Dries Mertens remains an option for Chelsea,’ the paper reports.

‘The Belgian is out of contract in the summer and has a number of offers on the table but is interested in a move to London.

‘Frank Lampard wanted Mertens in January, despite the fact he turns 33 next week, as he can cover a number of positions.’

According to Goal.com, Mertens has yet to decide on his next move.

‘Dries Mertens is keeping his options open with his current Napoli contract due to expire on June 30, with Chelsea and Inter both interested in signing the Belgium international forward,’ states the website.

‘The 32-year-old was close to renewing his Napoli contract before the coronavirus-enforced shutdown brought football across Europe and much of the world to a halt.

‘Negotiations between Mertens and his club are now at a standstill and, with many of the continent's clubs facing uncertain financial futures, out-of-contract stars like Mertens are expected to be in increasing demand.’

Ex-Ivory Coast players blasted for not backing Drogba

Speaking to Goal.com, former Nigeria striker Victor Ezeji has blamed envy for the lack of support Didier Drogba received from former players in his bid to become president of the Ivory Coast Football Federation.

The Chelsea legend has been campaigning to lead the association but suffered a big setback when he did not receive any backing from the 14 ex-players voting for the new president.

‘First, I will attribute this to envy because most times, ex-internationals seem to envy themselves especially when one is thriving, there are so much envy and bad blood,’ said Ezeji.

‘I think that is one of the things that must have led Drogba not getting a vote from any of the ex-internationals which is very absurd.

‘In most sane countries, you’ll see ex-internationals head their FAs because it’s like putting a round peg in a round hole. That was what everybody expected it [the Ivorian election] to be.

‘Personally, I thought Drogba would have a clean sweep because the ex-internationals were involved. Unfortunately, that did not happen.’

Drogba is challenging current president Sory Diabate and vice-president Idriss Diallo for the position with the votes of active players, coaches, referees and physios yet to be counted.