If you can't beat them, join them. Or in Fernando Morientes' case, do both. Having quenched Roman Abramovich's European dream at the semi-final stage, with goals in both legs for Monaco. Clearly impressed with the on-loan Real Madrid striker, the Chelsea hierarchy subsequently tabled a bid for the Spanish hot-shot. Madrid had their sights set on Michael Owen, and needed Morientes' excessive salary off their books to free up space. Having scored 11 goals in the Champions League for the Monaco during the season, he had established himself as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, with Chelsea reportedly offering him a fiver year contract. According to reports, the in-demand hitman was readying himself to sign with an English club.
''We're getting closer to a solution and we can say we're almost there. I like the idea a lot but it could take some time to finalise the deal and, in the meantime, it is very likely that I'll return to Madrid as soon as the season.'' - Fernando Morientes, May 2004.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
