INTERVIEW

Wednesday, October 27, 11:21pm London Time
Blueheart Wise and that ¢G5m goal
By Martin Lipton


If the wages of sin can be paid off by a single act, Dennis Wise may feel he earned his right to redemption in the San Siro on Tuesday.

Gianfranco Zola's scampering feet and ready smile make him a far more popular figure with Chelsea fans, while Marcel Desailly and Didier Deschamps are footballing proof of what Vialli is building at Stamford Bridge.

Yet it is Wise, scowling, cantankerous and frequently operating on a hair-trig-ger - but whose feistiness has not been diminished by his all- too- regular appearances in the disciplinary dock - who remains the heartbeat of Gianluca Vialli's side.

That was why delighted Vialli described Wise as 'the right person' to score the Champions League goal against AC Milan. The 1- 1 stalemate leaves the Blues a draw away from eliminating the club which dominated European football less than a decade ago.

Chelsea chairman Ken Bates estimated the goal could be worth ¢G5million if it sees Chelsea through to the second group stage, as prize money is added to additional gate, television and ancillary revenues.

Ironically, Wise's appearances will be limited in the next month. Although he will be available to face Hertha Berlin next Wednesday, the legacy of the ninth red card of his career at Liverpool 12 days ago is a four-match domestic ban, which starts at Derby on Saturday.

Bates said: 'I'm pleased Dennis scored. He loves this club and moments like that make it all worthwhile. But he is going on a month's holiday now!'

Wise said the goal was one he would never forget: 'That makes up for being rejected by Southampton, wondering if I'd ever get a club but being too proud to sign on the dole.

'I used to look at the San Siro when I was watching Italian football on television. Paul Elliott was always on using long words I don't think even he under-stood and I wondered what it would be like playing there.

'Now I know and it's very, very special. I've had some great moments in football but that was one of the sweetest because it was so important for the club. We've shown that we can compete with the best and this team can only get better and better.'

It may seem difficult to believe, but Wise, now in his fourth continental campaign for the club, has not missed a European game through suspension.

'Nobody knows me in Europe, do they? ' he added with a grin.

While a draw would suit both sides next week, a win would not only guarantee Chelsea a group victory but keep open their prospects of making in the elite group of four top seeds for the next stage draw.

Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said: 'Chelsea may not have much European experience as a team but the players have a great deal of it. They came to the San Siro determined not to lose.'

While Paolo Maldini lamented that his side only have 'a one per cent chance' of progressing, Oliver Bierhoff, who scored for Milan in the 1-1 draw, said: 'We have a saying in Germany which is "hope is the last thing that dies".

'It will be very risky if Chelsea choose to play for a draw against Berlin. If Berlin score late and we win our game, it will be all over for them.'