Scolari gives Chelsea fans the news they all want to hear: Lampard's staying ... and Drogba is still part of my plans

The club released a statement this morning revealing they had rejected an official approach from Inter Milan for Lampard, while speculation continues to link Drogba with the same Italian side, as well as their rivals AC Milan.

Lampard’s agent Steve Kutner maintains his client’s future remains ‘completely unresolved’ but Scolari is adamant the England midfielder and Drogba are key to his plans and held lengthy talks with both on his first day of training yesterday.

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Lampard has just one year left of his deal and, although talks are believed to have broken down over his salary demands and length of contract, Scolari is confident the issue will be resolved and Lampard will commit his future to the club. 

Speaking at his first press conference as Chelsea manager this afternoon, Scolari said: 'I  met Frank Lampard yesterday, we spoke for 15 minutes, and I told him that I like him too much as a player, as a person, and I asked him if he wants to stay with Chelsea, not only this season but for more time. He said that he wants to stay and he wants to play for Chelsea for many years.

Back in the fold - to stay? Lampard at training at Cobham today

'I was very happy because I think Chelsea needs Lampard and Lampard needs Chelsea. There are minimum financial questions to solve and I think Lampard will be here more  than one year.'

Former manager Jose Mourinho admitted last week he felt Lampard would stay at Stamford Bridge for the coming season, but was '100 per cent'  certain he would move to Milan in 2009 when the player could join on a Bosman free.

Scolari is also adamant that Drogba is not for sale and added: 'He is not 100 per cent part of my plans, but 200 per cent. I want him to stay. I like him. Last season or two years ago I voted for him as one of the best players in the world.

'Two or three years ago I chose John Terry, now they are with me, I am happy. John will remain my captain. I like him as a player and as a leader.'

Scolari also revealed he already has a good understanding with owner Roman
Abramovich. The Russian billionaire has sacked all three managers since he bought the club in 2003 after they failed to win either the Premier or Champions
League.

But Scolari said: “I have met Roman two times and we have a very good relationship. I have respect for him and he has respect for me.

'I know the pressure to win every game and I know how to manage it because in Brazil they eat and sleep football. I think we have the potential to win all competitions that we enter.

'We will try to win playing beautiful football, but sometimes it’s not always possible.'

When asked if he was the Special One — a tag Mourinho gave himself at the start of his Chelsea reign — Scolari  said: 'I am special for my friends and family and those people only. As a manager, so-so!'

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The 59-year-old was also keen to stress that he did not advise Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid, contrary to rumours.

'I never advised Ronaldo to change clubs. He will be a fantastic player in any league in the world, but I never told him to move,' said Scolari.

'He is not the only great player at United. If he goes or stays, the league will still be very difficult.'

Chelsea have have already bought Portugal internationals Deco and Jose Bosingwa this summer, but Scolari is determined to spend time with the current squad before deciding if he needs more signings.

'I don’t think I need to make many changes,' he added. 'I need to get to know the players first. When inside the group, you get to know their characteristics and quality. After this I will know how many changes I need or don’t need.'