QPR keeper Green plays down Chelsea link
QPR goalkeeper Rob Green has played down speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.
With Petr Cech widely tipped to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, there have been reports that the Premier League leaders could sign Green, 35, as back-up for first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois.
A recent international recall has given Green hope of a place in the England squad for next year’s European Championships in France.
But he insisted a transfer away from Loftus Road, where he is contracted until 2016, is not on his mind.
“He’s been excellent for us. I’d say at least nine of our points this season have been down to him.”
QPR head coach Chris Ramsey on Rob Green
Green said: “France next year is hopefully a target. But first and foremost, staying in the Premier League is the goal and things come off the back of that.
“It’s still something that’s out of my control and I don’t want to get ahead of myself. That’s one of the key things in football.
“A move is not something I’ve ever considered. I’ve not seen the articles [linking him with a move to Chelsea]. It’s not really something I’d consider until I turn up to training and told I’m no longer required.”
Green was brought back into the England set-up for matches against Lithuania and Italy after manager Roy Hodgson turned to him in the wake of an injury to Fraser Forster.
It offers a potential shot at redemption after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when he allowed a routine Clint Dempsey shot to squirm through his grasp for a USA equaliser during a group game.
Green was dropped after that howler and only earned one more cap post-Fabio Capello, and it looked like his international days were over.
Away fans still occasionally taunt him with the jibe: “You let your country down”.
But Green insisted he “couldn’t give a monkey’s”.
“I don’t think about it,” Green added. “The only people who mention it are away fans and journalists.
“It’s a game that happened five years ago. We didn’t lose the game, but the only problem is that we are talking about it now.
“I’m just delighted to be back after a few years out. I didn’t think it was over, though time probably wasn’t on my side.
“You’ve got players like Jack Butland coming through. Joe Hart’s only 27 with many years to come and it perhaps wasn’t a focal point for me in terms of goals and aims.
“But it’s been great. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s always pleasing to be involved.
“I’m not being foolish towards the situation. I’m fairly pragmatic. It wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t have so many injures, but these things happen in football.”
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