Malouda

Since the 1992/93 season only five clubs have won the British Premier League - Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. United under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson, have dominated the era, winning 13 titles in that 20-year span.

The Rovers won a single title, while Arsenal won three. Chelsea won three titles 2004-2005 and 2006-2007 with the last of those titles coming in the 2009-2010 season.

Florent Malouda, the attacking midfielder who won a league and Champions League title with Chelsea during his six-year run with the club, isn't under any illusions that the departure of the legendary manager at the end of this past season will mean any change in fortunes for the club.

"First of all, I must pay my respects to Sir Alex Ferguson because he is a living legend. He is part of Manchester United's history but to think that Manchester United will be vulnerable is like really," he said. "This football club is very strong and thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson and to the board of this club, they have built something very strong. I don't know the club from inside but from the outside they have been our rivals for many years. No matter who manages or who plays, they are a very strong institution and I think they will still be on top of the British Premier League for many, many years to come. They have the resources."

As it relates to his former club, Malouda was more reticent. When asked if the nine managerial changes that have been made at Chelsea over the past decade had in any way affected the club's ability to consistently challenge for a title, the 32-year-old midfielder, who has been linked to clubs in Brazil and his former club Lyon, offered a diplomatic response.

"My philosophy is never to talk about what is going on behind the scenes, especially now that I am out of this club. I am happy with the time I have done there and I just want to say good luck to the players coming in. I am just happy to have been successful there."

Malouda was visiting the island courtesy of Heineken, sponsors of the UEFA Champions League. While here, Malouda, who departed the island yesterday, was the special guest at the Heineken Champions League finals viewing party at the National Indoor Sports Centre last Saturday. He also participated in a number of charity events in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson lifts the Premier League trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford earlier this month. - File