Peter Kenyon has revealed it was always Chelsea's intention to
land Andrei Shevchenko - even prior to the arrival of coach Jose
Mourinho.
Chief executive Kenyon's admission adds fuel to the fire following
claims the Ukrainian misfit's purchase was the choice of owner
Roman Abramovich and not Mourinho.
The alleged compromising of Mourinho has led to inevitable
speculation over his future at the club, though Kenyon insists it
is 'business as usual' behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
"The discussion about signing Shevchenko first took place even
before he joined, when we were looking at the squad," said
Kenyon.
"Those conversations took place each year until last season when we
managed to get him.
"It was our idea. We need a striker who is the best striker in the
world. And if you asked anyone, you would have put him on that
list."
Kenyon insists Mourinho had the final say on the £30million signing
and denied rumours of a rift at the club.
"What is the point of imposing a player on the manager? The
relationship between the manager and player is critical," said
Kenyon.
"There is a healthy tension in the club and that is all focused on
moving Chelsea forward.
"Within Chelsea it is business as usual. On all the key issues the
manager, the owner, the chief executive and the board are involved.
That will not change because to be successful we need a team that
is together."