Still one of the world’s best defenders, Desailly escaped the clutches of Manchester United to sign a new deal with Chelsea.

The French international had a fine Euro 2000 after a good season for the Blues, where his commitment was not as questioned as often as in 1998/99.

Signed for £4.6million from AC Milan before the 1998 World Cup and after his man of the tournament performances that looked a bargain.

Desailly can play as a central defender and midfielder. He is good in the air, a hard tackler, pacy and strong. Won the European Cup in consecutive years with Marseille (1993) and

AC Milan (1994).

Has also played in France for Nantes.

He made his Chelsea debut in a 2-1 defeat at Coventry City. Picked up an FA Cup winner’s medal with the Blues in 2000, along with a runners-up medal two years later. Admitted in the summer of 2002 that he had not always been at his best during his time at Stamford Bridge, but was eager to put that right. By this time he had played 164 games for the Blues, scoring five goals.

He is, of course, a World and European champion with France. Skipper of club and country.

Desailly was part of the France squad that had a disastrous 2002 World Cup, going out in the group stage with one point and no goals. Played all three games.

Marcel Desailly

Club: Chelsea

Shirt Number: 6

Position: defender

Date of Birth: September 7, 1968

Birthplace: Accra, Ghana

Height: 6’ 1”

Credits: French

Championship : 1992-1993, FA Cup : 1999-2000,

European Cup : 1992-1993, 1993-1994, European Super Cup : 1994, 1998, European Championship : 2000, World Cup : 1998

Key Attributes : Tackling, power