Tottenham wrecked my World Cup dream, says Blackburn Rovers defender (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Tottenham wrecked my World Cup dream, says Blackburn Rovers defender

10:00am Saturday 13th March 2010

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PASCAL Chimbonda is resigned to his international career already being over after admitting his Tottenham move scuppered his World Cup dreams.

Blackburn Rovers’ versatile defender returns to White Hart Lane this lunchtime with good memories of his two spells at Spurs, between 2006-2008 and in 2009, but accepts his main reason for moving to London was never realised.

While still at Wigan, Chimbonda was a member of the French squad in 2006 which lost to Italy in the World Cup Final but, having to settle for a non playing substitutes role, was determined to boost his chances for international selection.

His £4.5million move to Spurs though failed to enhance his own French fortunes as, four years on, a substitutes appearance made against Denmark in May 2006 remains his solitary cap for Les Bleus.

The 31-year-old moved to Ewood Park from Spurs in August determined to re-ignite his stuttering career but, despite some impressive club performances, admits his international dreams are now over.

He said: “Four years ago I was on the bench in a World Cup final. I played at Wigan and went to the World Cup in 2006.That is a dream for all footballers – to play at the World Cup. I didn’t play any games but we had a good World Cup. It was a great experience.

“At the moment the manager is bringing in young players. It will be very hard to be involved in the World Cup in South Africa.

“In France it is very different to England. If you don’t play for Arsenal or Chelsea or a big side like that you don’t get in. That is why I moved to Tottenham but the manager didn’t give me a chance.

“If it did happen again obviously I would happy but I can’t think about that any more. I will maybe watch the final in the summer but the rest of it I think I need a rest from football and just enjoy a holiday.

“I enjoy Premier League football and I need to finish the season strongly, and then chill and enjoy a holiday with the family.”

Chimbonda is now setting his sights on earning a Rovers recall, having lost his starting position to Martin Olsson and Michel Salgado in recent weeks.

He insists though he has no problems with biding his time on the substitutes’ bench – but insists he is determined to prove his point when he gets the chance.

“It is no surprise,” Chimbonda said. “We have 22 players and the manager decides to pick the 11, if you are not in the 11 all you can do is work hard and keep the positives.

“The most important is the team it is not you.

“When you get the chance of course it is up to you to prove to the manager you can play well.”

Chimbonda’s second spell at White Hart Lane only lasted six months as he failed to establish himself in the first team but, as Rovers look for their second away win, he insists he bears no grudges.

“Of course I have fond memories of my time with Tottenham. We won the Carling Cup against Chelsea at Wembley so that is a good memory,” he said.

“When you are a footballer things happen in your career and you have to take your positives and move on. All you can do is keep working hard.”

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