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Cape Town - Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel insists he is content
with his current role in the squad despite falling down the pecking order at
Stamford Bridge, reports Football411.
Mikel, who had been heavily linked with a move away from the club in the off-season, has been restricted to a bit-part role in Jose Mourinho's side so far this season and has started just four of the Blues' 22 league games.
The Nigerian's lack of first-team action is largely due to the blistering form of fellow central midfielders Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, who have been instrumental in the Blues' rise to the top of the Premier League table.
Despite this, Mikel is just pleased to be a part of Mourinho's squad and insists he will continue to work hard in training and give his all when he is afforded the opportunity.
"We all know Chelsea packs quality and, to even be in the reckoning at all is a big thing," the Nigeria international is quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard.
"Fellow Africans will agree with me that it is not easy to break into the Premier League, but I have weathered it - this is my ninth year, and I have no regrets at all.
"The key is to keep working hard. That is what I do. I don’t complain, I don’t moan; I work hard and when my chance comes, I take it - and you can see that it is why the boss has faith in me."
Mikel, who had been heavily linked with a move away from the club in the off-season, has been restricted to a bit-part role in Jose Mourinho's side so far this season and has started just four of the Blues' 22 league games.
The Nigerian's lack of first-team action is largely due to the blistering form of fellow central midfielders Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, who have been instrumental in the Blues' rise to the top of the Premier League table.
Despite this, Mikel is just pleased to be a part of Mourinho's squad and insists he will continue to work hard in training and give his all when he is afforded the opportunity.
"We all know Chelsea packs quality and, to even be in the reckoning at all is a big thing," the Nigeria international is quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard.
"Fellow Africans will agree with me that it is not easy to break into the Premier League, but I have weathered it - this is my ninth year, and I have no regrets at all.
"The key is to keep working hard. That is what I do. I don’t complain, I don’t moan; I work hard and when my chance comes, I take it - and you can see that it is why the boss has faith in me."
