Carlo Cudicini Bio Send To Friend  

After being one of the Premier League's most consistent and impressive goalkeepers, Cudicini found himself sidelined following the signing of Petr Cech in the summer of 2004 and moved to Tottenham in January 2009 on a free transfer.

Impressive when Cech was absent through injury and having established himself as number 1 for three seasons, the Italian stopper was limited to just 11 appearances in 2004/05.

Signed from Italian Serie C club Castel di Sangro in the summer of 1999, Cudicini did nothing to diminish his reputation as a very capable keeper in his early months at Chelsea.

His impact in reserve games and training was such that many at Stamford Bridge were soon tipping him to succeed Ed de Goey as first choice.

His Chelsea debut came in a goalless draw against Skonto Riga in a Champions League qualifier in August 1999 and he went on to prove himself one of the best keeper in the league over the next three seasons.

Howeverm firmly the second choice after the arrival of Cech, many questioned his ambition considering he would be able to get into the first XI of most teams.

Despite finding himself constantly benched at Stamford Bridge, Cudicini insisted he was happy to stay at the club and this was underlined in January 2006 when he penned a new three-year deal, ending speculation of a return to Italy for the goalkeeper.

Cudicini had appeared happy to warm the bench at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career, but eventually made the move to White Hart Lane in January 2009 when Tottenham showed their interest.