Cudicini staying at Stamford Bridge

Carlo Cudicini has signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea FC, prolonging his stay with the English champions until 2009.

Limited opportunities
The 32-year-old Italian moved to Stamford Bridge in 1999, and was first choice for his first four seasons in England, although the arrival of Petr Čech in summer 2004 has meant restricted opportunities over the last 18 months. Cudicini has featured in just 16 of Chelsea's 90 matches since the Czech international joined the club.

Bargain fee
Cudicini, who cost Chelsea a bargain €230,000, has nevertheless made a total of 120 league appearances for the English champions, but has featured only five times in the current campaign, although he did appear in the 4-0 victory against Real Betis Balompié in UEFA Champions League Group G on 19 October.