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London - Former Nigeria head coach Samson Siasia has revealed that midfielder John Obi Mikel is "ready to quit Chelsea" after failing to break into the first team under Antonio Conte.
Siasia, who steered the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, says the player informed him of his intention to seek a move away from Stamford Bridge.
And, following the acquisition of France international N'Golo Kante from title-winning Leicester City, Mikel Obi has slipped further down the pecking order.
In fact, the midfielder has yet to make an appearance for the London outfit following the appointment of Conte in the off-season.
"He is ready to quit Chelsea because he said this man (Antonio Conte) does not have anything for him and that was what he told me before he came down to the Olympics," Siasia said, as quoted by African Football.
"That was why they bought (N'Golo) Kante.
"It will be better for him to leave now because he has done very well after 11 years at Chelsea, not even Didier Drogba lasted that long there.
"He already has a British passport and two girls, he has done very well and will now leave."
Siasia's revelation comes in the wake of reports in the English media that have suggested Mikel Obi is on the verge of leaving the club on loan.
The player has been linked with French outfit Marseille in recent times, and will see his contract with the Blues expire at the end of the current campaign.
