Desailly leaves the Bridge

SOCCER NEWS: Carlo Cudicini admitted Chelsea will not be the same without Marcel Desailly, but declared that the club have a ready-made replacement in England centre-back John Terry.

The France World Cup and European Championship winner yesterday called time on his six-year career at Stamford Bridge following his decision last week to retire from international football, which saw him make a record 116 appearances for his country.

Terry has already stood in for Desailly (36), as captain of his club, and has shown maturity beyond his years to make a formidable international partnership with Sol Campbell.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has indicated he is keen to add to his central defensive options, but Cudicini believes in Terry, William Gallas and Robert Huth, the Portuguese coach has more than enough talent to protect his goalkeeper.

"We have bought lots of expensive players, but John is the most important player at the club," said the Italian.

"When I came here in 1999, he was just a youngster in the reserves - but within two years he was one of the most important players in the first team. He is one of the best defenders in England."

He added: "Although John is just 23, he has got great experience and personality. He was captain sometimes last season and I think he should be again this season."

Desailly was signed by Gianluca Vialli for £4.6 million from AC Milan in 1998 and proved to be worth every penny as a key performer in one of the most successful periods in the west-London club's history.

Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to have two internationals for each position and has plenty of options between the sticks next season.

As well as Cudicini Chelsea have splashed out £9 million to bring in Czech Republic international Petr Cech from Rennes this summer, while they also have Scotland's Neil Sullivan, Austrian Jurgen Macho and Marco Ambrosio in their ranks.

PSV Eindhoven striker Mateja Kezman is, meanwhile, close to tying up his transfer to Stamford Bridge.

The Serbia and Montenegro international striker has been in London this week for a medical after the two clubs agreed a fee, believed to be around £5 million, and is now just awaiting international clearance.

"I have signed," Kezman (25), said in the Dutch press. "Chelsea now have to take care of a work permit for me. I will be officially presented no sooner than Saturday, Sunday or Monday."