Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko
has denied criticising Jose Mourinho in an interview with a German
website.
Quotes attributed to Shevchenko appeared on ARD's sports website on
Friday morning, but Chelsea have since said the interview was a
'total fabrication'.
Shevchenko, who was quoted as saying he had complained about
Mourinho's treatment of him, insists he never said such
things.
The Ukrainian declared: "This is complete rubbish. I have never
spoken to this German website or to the journalist who claims to
have interviewed me."
A statement from Chelsea added: "The only official comments from
Andrei appear on the Chelsea website, his own website or in
interviews organised by the club, his sponsors or official pre or
post-match press conferences.
"Andrei and Chelsea FC will now be considering what further action
to take."
German state TV broadcasters ARD have now announced they are
withdrawing the interview and will launch an internal investigation
into the matter.
A spokeswoman for ARD has said the interview with Shevchenko was
done over the telephone in Russian and that there were apparently
problems with language.