Tue, 10th Jul 2007
The Chelsea squad landed in California to the news that they have a new team-mate.
Florent Malouda successfully completed a medical at Stamford Bridge during the day on Monday and signed a four-year contract.
An undisclosed fee was paid to Lyon for the 27-year-old French international winger who will travel on Tuesday to Los Angeles to join up with the pre-season preparations.
Lyon was Malouda's third club. He began his career at Paris with lower league Châteauroux where he played two seasons before moving up the ladder to Guingamp.In Brittany he teamed up with Didier Drogba and his impressive form over three seasons attracted the attention of Lyon.
Arriving at his new club the same season as Michael Essien, the two shared in championship success, Maloude staying at the Stade Gerland long enough to win a hat-trick of league titles while starring in Champions League displays.
Having moved clubs in 2003, he made his debut for France in November 2004 and was a regular by the time of the 2006 World Cup where France made the Final.
Maloude played wide left of the attack and won the penalty that was converted by Zinedine Zidane to open the scoring although his side would ultimately lose on a shoot-out.
In total he has 30 caps for France and has scored three goals.
Another French international, Lassana Diarra, has not travelled out to the United States with his team-mates due to a personal problem. It is hoped he will join up before the end of the visit.
Also not making the trip to the States is Khalid Boulahrouz. Discussions are ongoing with several clubs over the Dutch defender's future and in light of that situation, it is best he stays behind.
Touchdown for the party on the flight from England was 6.30pm Los Angeles time, 2.30am the next day back in London. Passage from LAX airport was smooth and after being greeted in the hotel foyer by the six players who made their own way out, it was time to rest for the training ahead.
