JOHN OBI MIKEL admits he will look to leave Chelsea this summer if he is not guaranteed a regular role in the side.
Mikel’s current contract expires in 2017, but the 28-year-old insists he is prepared to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and is demanding assurances from Chelsea’s new manager.
Mikel told Goal: “I have one more season with Chelsea but I know when this season ends, we will definitely sit down and try to sort out whatever needs to be sorted out.
“If it means me leaving, fine.
“If it means me staying, then I have to play because one thing I don’t want to do is to sit on the bench like I did before.”
Mikel has been around long enough to know there are no certainties in football, no-one – okay, with the exception of Lionel Messi – is guaranteed a regular starting place in any team.
Nigeria international Mikel has found himself back in favour at Chelsea under interim boss Guus Hiddink after being used sparingly by Jose Mourinho and he’d be well advised to keep his head down and let his football do the talking.
With the Blues’ ageing and at times fragile defence continuing to struggle, Mikel provides valuable protection and is still a more than useful squad member but he’s far from indispensable.
His future at Stamford Bridge depends very much on what system the new Chelsea boss adopts and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was one of a number of players let go in the summer.
Should Chelsea let Mikel go?
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Football Advisor – bet with confidence.
