• Premier League

Benayoun keen on Chelsea stay

ESPN staff
July 12, 2012
Yossi Benayoun admits he struggled for fitness on his return from injury © PA Photos
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Yossi Benayoun is determined to impress Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo during pre-season after returning to the club following a loan spell away from the side last season.

Benayoun, 32, spent the 2011-12 campaign on loan at London rivals Arsenal, making 19 Premier League appearances for the Gunners and scoring four goals.

It had been speculated the Israeli could leave the Blues, who he joined from Liverpool in 2010, this summer, but the midfielder is eager to be part of Di Matteo's side this coming season.

"Now I am back at Chelsea for pre-season, the hard part of football, and I'm trying to do my best in front of Robbie, so we will just have to see what happens in the future," Benayoun told the club's official website.

"A lot has happened since I was last here. Unfortunately it didn't work out with Andre Villas-Boas, results weren't good enough but Robbie took the team, and we won the FA Cup and Champions League. I kept in touch and it was just great to see the club winning these trophies.

"I was at home for the Champions League final, as the next day I was joining up with the national team. It was amazing to watch and enjoy. When you thought Bayern would win it, suddenly Didier Drogba was there like always to score an important goal and of course I was so happy for the club, the players and the owner. Hopefully this season the club will win a few trophies again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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