Daniel Sturridge insists he is committed to Chelsea and has praised manager Andre Villas-Boas for helping him to develop this season.
Chelsea striker praises Villas-Boas for his role in development
Daniel Sturridge insists he is committed to Chelsea and has praised under-fire manager Andre Villas-Boas for helping him to develop this season.
The 22-year-old joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2009, but has been forced to wait until the current campaign to establish himself as a regular in the first-team set-up.
After impressing on loan at Bolton Wanderers in the second half of last term, Sturridge has featured prominently since Villas-Boas took charge last summer.
Though reports have claimed Sturridge is unhappy at playing in a wide role, rather than as an out-and-out striker, the England international stressed he does not want to leave Stamford Bridge.
Dream come true
"The manager has helped me a lot," said Sturridge. "He's playing me a lot so I can't complain. I've not had a Chelsea manager do that for me before.
"It's helped me so much because previously I've not had a chance to play week in and week out, except when I was on loan at Bolton.
"To play at one of the best clubs in the world and start every week is a dream come true.
"I love playing for Chelsea. Some of the stuff I've read about me asking for a contract is not true.
"I've not spoken to the club to ask for a new contract, or told them I'm unhappy. I'm just doing a job. Working hard.
"I'm not worrying about my contract. It's not true. I'm committed to Chelsea."
Villas-Boas' future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, but Sturridge has urged Chelsea to start doing their talking on, rather than off, the pitch as he sets his sights on FA Cup and Champions League glory.
He added: "I just think everyone has to knuckle down and do their job, and focus on winning games for Chelsea.
"Everybody talks. It's just time to go out and do a job on the football field. That's where our talking is done.
"It doesn't matter what we say off the field. We have to do our talking on the field. It's pointless talking off the field. It's not going to change anything.
"A successful season now would be winning the FA Cup or the Champions League. If we could do one or the other it would be great.
"I think we've got to get some sort of silverware, and to get in the top four, to qualify for next season's Champions League."
