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Gracious Grant concedes defeat to United

12/05/2008

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has conceded that Manchester United are "worthy champions" after they retained the Premier League title.

The Red Devils beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 at the JJB Stadium, thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs.

Meanwhile, the Blues could only draw 1-1 at home to Bolton Wanderers as Kevin Davies' injury-time equaliser cancelled out the opening goal from Andriy Shevchenko to leave them two points adrift of the champions.

In reality, even a Chelsea victory would not have been enough to overhaul United, whose superior goal difference made them favourites going into the final day.

And Grant, whose achievements this season have already surpassed early expectations, said he could not begrudge Sir Alex Ferguson's men a tenth league crown.

"United had a great season, played very well and are worthy champions," Grant said.

"We did a good job. We came from fifth, to fourth, to third, to second and then level on points with United going into the last game. I wish we had two weeks more.

"We had a good season and how we handled many of the situations we faced made me proud."

Grant congratulated Ferguson, calling him "a great manager and a great person" but after losing out in the title race he vowed to fight hard for the Champions League trophy in the all-English final in Moscow next Wednesday.

"We have created history in becoming the first Chelsea team to get to a Champions League final," he added.

"But we want to win it and will do everything to win against a great team."