Mikel extends Chelsea stay

London - John Obi Mikel has signed a new five-year deal with Chelsea, tying the Nigeria defensive midfielder to the European champions until 2017.

Mikel, who joined Chelsea from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in 2006, said on Wednesday: "I have basically won everything with Chelsea and those (six) years have been really special for me."

The 25-year-old Mikel has won one English Premier League title, four FA Cups, a League Cup as well as the Champions League last season.

He has been a regular in the side since the departure in March of manager Andre Villas-Boas, under whom Mikel lost his regular spot in the first team.

"I think I am now hitting my peak but as a player you want to improve every day and there is still room for that," said Mikel.