Patience pays dividends for Malouda

Florent Malouda believes he is reaping the rewards for keeping faith with Chelsea after a miserable first season at the Premier League club.

When Malouda joined Chelsea for 13 million pounds last year, the France winger was expected to be an instant hit at Stamford Bridge after some dazzling displays for Lyon in the Champions League.

Instead he endured a frustrating, injury-ravaged campaign that ended with speculation that he was ready to leave west London.

But Malouda is no quitter. He was confident of becoming a key player for Chelsea if he could stay fit and resolved to make up for his false start this term.

It has proved to be a wise decision for the 28-year-old. With Joe Cole injured, Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari gave Malouda a chance on the left wing and he has taken it with both hands.

Chelsea are off to an unbeaten start that has brought praise for their entertaining football and Malouda can take his share of the credit.

“I never spoke about leaving but sometimes when you don't speak people speak for you,” Malouda said.

“I let people speak. I am somebody who is really confident and calm. I stayed focused on what I could do and show what I can do whenever the coach said I could play.

“Of course this year I am in better form. I think that last year I showed it sometimes but not every time.”

Malouda is convinced his lack of regular playing time was the root cause of his inconsistency. In the space of a few months he went from being the big star at Lyon to just one more player at Chelsea.

It was a transition that took some getting used to, but now Malouda is completely at home in London and is keen to see out the remaining three years of his contract.

“I am used to playing at a high level as a regular player. Last year was up and down. Sometimes it happens in a career,” he said.

“But I knew it was my first year. I signed for four years here at Chelsea. I had to be patient and accept everything in life.

“Sometimes you have injuries or are not in good form but that is life. If you believe and work in training you have to be confident in your abilities.

“In May when we have all the finals to play I hope I can keep that form and win titles with Chelsea.”