Pietersen expresses love for Chelsea

Former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen expressed his love for Premier League club Chelsea FC here Sunday, and said he is friends with Chelsea stalwarts Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry.

"Chelsea is my team. I am good friends with many players in Chelsea, including Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry. I live in Chelsea and train there too. I also underwent rehabilitation in Chelsea when I had my Achilles tendon injury," Pietersen said Sunday.

The 33-year-old was at the Ambedkar Stadium here to announce the names of two children who will be the adidas FIFA Fairplay Flag Bearers. Six children, four to be selected from other cities, will head to Sao Paulo to see a World Cup pre-quarterfinal match.

With Chelsea currently third in the Premier League standings with 78 points, Pietersen said clinching the title this year will be difficult for them. Manchester City and Liverpool are first and second, both on 80 points, and with only two rounds of matches to go, the club from Manchester look to be the favourites.

"It is going to be difficult for Chelsea. With Manchester City winning 3-2 against Everton last night, they lead the standings and are favourites for the title. But Chelsea have already said they are targeting the title next year. You can't win every year," added Pietersen with a smile.

The Delhi Daredevils captain also lauded Chelsea manager Jose Mourhinho.

"He is outstanding as a manager. He makes the players play their best in the position they are put in and makes them the best in the world too. He takes the pressure off the players," concluded the tall Englishman.