There Will Be Tears Before Long From Toon Target
Last updated : 15 June 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
But, having snubbed Newcastle for the new "Glory Seekers", let's see how he feels when he's made less than a dozen appearances by this time next year.
He completed his move to Stamford Bridge from Bolton on a free transfer on Thursday, signing a four-year deal.
The 25-year-old Israeli international get married this Sunday and wanted the deal done early. Sam Allardyce was told on the morning that his ex-Bolton defender was heading South, and not moving to Tyneside.
Ben Haim: "I feel fantastic to be part of that amazing club.
"If you ask every player, they want to play for Chelsea, for that team. It's one of the best teams in the world so I'm very happy to be part of that.
"I don't like to talk too much about myself but I can guarantee that I give 100% and hopefully I don't disappoint anybody, especially myself.
"I'm sure that everything will be okay and I'm waiting to start."
He follows Steve Sidwell, who also turned his nose up at a deal to Newcastle.
Ben Haim spent three years at Bolton under Big Sam's management, making 110 appearances.
Previously he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in his homeland and has made 22 appearances for the Israeli national team.
Allardyce admitted earlier in the day that he had lost his bid to persuade the Israel defender to join him on Tyneside.
Allardyce: "I think we've had a long, hard go this week, but the lure of Chelsea and the Champions League for Tal has perhaps just pipped me at the post.
"I'm sad I can't bring him here and work with him again. I like the lad an awful lot and we know each other really well. But like I said, the lure of Chelsea is a big one."