Chelsea commmitment
Makelele had attracted the interest of a number of clubs but has agreed to a deal that will tie him to the UEFA Champions League hopefuls until 2009. The 34-year-old joined Chelsea in summer 2003 from Real Madrid CF, with whom he had won the 2001/02 UEFA Champions League and the Spanish title the following season, and the holding midfielder became an integral part of the side that won the club's first English title in 50 years.

Two titles
The French international helped Chelsea defend their crown the following campaign and has also added English League Cup and FA Cup winner's medals to his glittering array of honours. Makelele, who has won 58 French caps, has yet to feature this season for the London club, who resume their quest for a first UEFA Champions League triumph in the group stage next month.