Florent Malouda wants to follow in the footsteps of French compatriot Robert Pires and win some silverware with Chelsea. Pires took time to settle at Arsenal but then picked up two Premier League titles, and winger Malouda has similarly taken time to adjust at Stamford Bridge.

"Maybe it is like that," he said. "I hope like Robert Pires that we win a lot of titles.

"I prepared really hard for this season. Last season, sometimes I was playing, sometimes I was not. I had my first bad year. I knew when I came to England that the first year would be difficult.

"When the new coach arrived he told me he wanted to help me get back to my best level. That is what you are seeing now. I hope the best is to come."

Malouda insists that leaving Stamford Bridge never crossed his mind over the summer.

"Last season was weird because I started well, there were changes in the team and I was injured in November and December," he said.

"I came back, played a lot and then didn't play. But I never thought about leaving because I came here and signed a four-year deal.

"I came here to stay and try to reach level where I'm in the team and have an importance in the team.

"I worked hard for this. I'm really happy in Chelsea and have the confidence of the lads, the board and everybody."