- Title: UK: SOCCER/FOOTBALL: GULLIT MAKES DEBUT FOR CHELSEA
- Date: 26th July 1995
- Summary: CHELSEA MANAGER GLENN HODDLE SAYS: "RUUD IS A WORLD CLASS PLAYER, HE'S DONE IT ALL, HE'S GOT A WONDERFUL ATTITUDE ABOUT HIMSELF, HE'S NOT GOT THE BIG EGO THAT SOME SUPERSTARS HAVE, HE'S MIXED IN WITH THE BOYS TREMENDOUSLY WELL, SAME AS MARK HUGHES AND I THINK THEY'RE JUST GOING TO GET BETTER AND BETTER. IT'LL TAKE HIM A LITTLE BIT OF A TIME TO ADJUST TO ENGLISH THINKING AND PLAYING THE WAY ENGLISH PLAYERS PLAY. WE'RE LOOKING TO PLAY A CERTAIN WAY HERE AND I THINK IT WILL SUIT RUUD GULLIT AND IF RUUD GULLIT PLAYS WELL THEN THE SYSTEM WILL WORK EVEN BETTER." (ENGLISH) GULLIT IS ASKED IF HE'S PLAYED AS SWEEPER BEFORE AND SAYS: "YES, WHEN I WAS WITH PSV EINDHOVEN, BUT IF YOU PLAY EIGHT YEARS AS A STRIKER THEN YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE. I HAVE TO WORK ON THAT AND I THINK THE MORE GAMES I PLAY THE BETTER I WILL FIT IN. OF COURSE IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME BUT I HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE AND I HOPE I CAN USE THAT EXPERIENCE." (ENGLISH) Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
- Embargoed: 10th August 1995 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: GILLINGHAM, UK
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA2EH5G1QDJY1OAX51OMNL9FJL7
- Story Text: Dutch soccer star Ruud Gullit made his debut for English premier league side in a pre-season friendly match at third-division Gillingham on Wednesday (July 25).
Gullit, playing as a free defender in a three-man back line, eased through the first 45 minutes. He was replaced at half time by Welsh international Mark Hughes, Chelsea's other major close-season signing. The former Manchester United striker netted his side's second goal in a comfortable 3-1 win before a capacity 10,400 crowd at Priestfield Stadium.
Gillingham opened the scoring when Leo Fortune-West, a 24-year old student, reacted first in a goalmouth scramble. But Chelsea's class told in the end. Mark Stein equalised from the penalty spot and then Hughes scored with a powerful drive from the edge of the penalty box after dribbling past three players. Gavin Peacock made it 3-1 with another penalty.
Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle was satisfied with the performances of his new signings and predicted his side could finish in the top six of the Premiership next season.
Former Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan and Sampdoria hero Gullit said: "I made two mistakes early on. It's difficult for me not to go forward and I have to have a change of attitude about it.
"Everyone needs a new challenge and this was the one I was looking for at this stage of my career. I am looking to do well and hope things work out well for both me and Chelsea." "I've had hundreds of letters from supporters telling me how pleased they are that I have decided to sign for Chelsea." Gullit was besieged by an army of photographers and cameramen as he emerged from the dressing room and added: "I didn't expect a reception like this. It was great and the atmosphere was very good.
"I've only had a week's training but already the spirit and the feel inside the club is excellent and I hope that we can do well in the championship." Hughes said: "I enjoyed it. It does help if you score early for a new club and I hope there will be a few more to come when the season starts." - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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