John Obi Mikel to speak to other clubs in January ahead of possible Chelsea exit
Wednesday 21 September 2016 07:54, UK
John Obi Mikel has confirmed he will talk to other clubs in January ahead of what could be the end of his 11-year stay at Chelsea.
The Nigerian midfielder has not played for the Blues under Antonio Conte despite being a regular in the team for the second half of last season.
Mikel made 33 appearances last term but his contract is due to expire in the summer and he will therefore explore his options in the January transfer window.
"When you have a year left, in January you are allowed to talk to other clubs and sign a pre-contract or have an agreement so, yes, I will talk to other clubs because you never know what is going to happen," said the 29-year-old Mikel, who was not named in Chelsea's squad for their EFL Cup tie against Leicester City on Tuesday night.
"If it is going to be the Premier League there will be options. If it is China or some other places, we will see. One thing is for sure, I will make the best decision.
"I've been here for a long, long time. I've spent 11 years of my life in this football club, it is my home. This season is the last at the club if my contract ends. I am quite relaxed about it, the future looks good."
Mikel has been with Chelsea since June 2006 and has made 368 first-team appearances.
