Bridge signs new contract

Wayne Bridge has signed a new contract, committing himself to Chelsea for another four years.

The left-back said: “I feel as though I’m playing well this season. I believe that I will continue to get opportunities … and I’m delighted to have signed.”

Bridge, 26, joined Chelsea in 2003 and has overcome a career threatening broken leg to return to the squad after a loan spell at Fulham last season.

He has made 85 appearances for Chelsea and scored three goals, most famously the Champions League quarter-final winner at Highbury in 2004. He has 24 England caps.

Bridge, who had 18 months left on his previous deal, is expected to return to the squad for Sunday’s game against Manchester United having missed the Champions League defeat to Werder Bremen to be with his partner Vanessa, who gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday evening.