Shevchenko denies special relationship with Abramovich

LONDON, Jan 18 (Reuters) Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has denied accusations that he has a special relationship with billionaire Russian manager Roman Abramovich which is destabilising the English Premier League champions.

''Those rumours are all lies,'' the Ukrainian told today's edition of The Times. ''A lot of things have been said which aren't true.

''There are things which are written about my relationship with Roman Abramovich which have been over-exaggerated. My relationship with him is the same as every other player.

''We might have a quick word with each other but that is natural as we both speak Russian. Maybe I shouldn't speak Russian.'' Shevchenko has scored only five goals this season and manager Jose Mourinho has made veiled references to a lack of effort.

British newspapers have reported that Abramovich's backing for the out-of-form striker is one of several issues which have created a rift with Mourinho and might persuade the Portuguese to leave at the end of the season.

Shevchenko said he had no intention of leaving the west London club.

''I have been attacked from all sides but I intend to carry on,'' he said. ''I will grit my teeth. I am not a quitter. I just want to be kept out of the politics.'' He also said he accepted Mourinho's decision to leave him on the substitutes' bench for recent matches.

''He's the coach,'' Shevchenko said. ''If he decides I am not capable I just have to work harder. It doesn't matter what I think.'' Reutes PM GC0915