Desailly denies Ranieri rift

Marcel Desailly today denied reports that he has clashed with Claudio Ranieri. It was claimed that the Chelsea skipper was being criticised by the manager and was so fed up he was considering quitting the club before his contract ran out in 2005.

A hip injury means the 35-year-old has not started a Premiership game since the end of September.

He said today: "I am coming back from an injury.

"It's been one and a half months, that is a long time for me, and I just want to be left alone. I don't want to have to talk about lies that have been written about me.

"I've been in the game for 18 years, I've only a few left, I have never had this before.

"I do not argue with managers and I am not about to start now.

"I am captain, there is no problem between the manager and me. I am nearly fit and the team is doing very well, so I know I shall have to wait my time to come back. This is Chelsea and this is how it should be.

"I want all the fans to know that I am happy with Chelsea and I am working hard to be fit and playing."