Makelele to join France

CHELSEA midfielder Claude Makelele will join up with France even if Blues boss Jose Mourinho forbids him to go.

Makelele stepped in to try to defuse an increasingly hostile war of words between France coach Raymond Domenech and Mourinho over the midfielder’s call-up for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Domenech’s decision to select Makelele angered Mourinho, but Makelele made it clear he is honoured to represent his country and will join up with his national team-mates irrespective of Chelsea’s wishes.