Shevchenko eyes future US switch

I know people wanted 30 goals a season, but the reality is that it can't happen every season. With all the problems I had, I don't think I did that badly Andriy Shevchenko on his first season at Chelsea

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko says he would like to play in the United States before the end of his career.

The 30-year-old, who the Blues signed from AC Milan for £30m in May 2006, enjoyed mixed fortunes during his first season at Stamford Bridge.

Shevchenko told Sports Illustrated.com: "Soccer is growing in the US and I would like to be a part of that.

"I played there last summer against the Major League Soccer All-Stars and I saw that it is definitely improving."

Shevchenko, who missed Chelsea's FA Cup final victory over Manchester United on Saturday because of a groin injury, is satisfied with his form for the Blues.

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"It wasn't a great season but it hasn't been the worst," he stated.

"People always expect a lot from me. I wasn't well in the first four months, partly because of fatigue from the World Cup and partly because of the injury I was carrying.

"But then I had a good stretch in the middle of the season. In the end, despite everything, I ended up with 14 goals and 11 or 12 assists - and that's not a bad season.

"I know people wanted 30 goals a season but the reality is that it can't happen every season. With all the problems I had, I don't think I did that badly."

Shevchenko felt playing in a deeper role did not help him get amongst the goals but was happy for the team to benefit.

Now the season is over for Chelsea I would like to think things are going to get sorted out and I am hopeful we will be in talks John Terry

"I didn't play in my position this year," he added. "I wasn't the key of the attack.

"I was playing further behind, away from goal, which is different from how I played at Milan and maybe that's why Didier Drogba scored so many goals this year.

"We made a good partnership with me setting him up some of the time. At Milan I played in my natural role. Here I had to adapt to be something else and I did it so I could help the team.

"The main priority for me is feeling well next season."

Meanwhile, Chelsea skipper John Terry is keen to put pen to paper on a new contract with the Blues as quickly as possible.

The 26-year-old England international said: "Now the season is over for Chelsea I would like to think things are going to get sorted out and I am hopeful we will be in talks."

And Blues boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed he hopes to sign a new central defender, a new midfielder and a new striker this summer.

Mourinho explained: "Our squad is obvious and it's easy to understand that we need a central defender.

"We need another midfield player, especially because we will lose Michael Essien and Mikel Jon Obi for the African Nations Cup, and we need a striker because we will lose Drogba and Salomon Kalou for that competition."