Cole keen to remain a Blue

Chelsea midfielder rules out Stamford Bridge exit

Last updated: 19th August 2008

Joe Cole celebrates Chelsea v Portsmouth

Cole: Wants new deal

I will be a Chelsea player for the rest of my career.

Joe Cole
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Joe Cole has rubbished speculation he is set to quit Chelsea and insists he wants to spend the rest of his career at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder has two years remaining on his current contract with the Blues, but recently put negotiations for a new deal on hold to stoke rumours he is set to leave West London.

Speculation has linked Cole with Liverpool and Aston Villa, and Chelsea's interest in Robinho has increased conjecture that the England international could find himself surplus to requirements with last season's Premier League runners up.

However, Cole insists contract negotiations were only put on hold due to the commotion caused by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's arrival and that he will soon reopen discussions with the club.

"I just wanted to put it to bed now," said Cole.

"Obviously we wanted to get it sorted out this year but with the new manager coming in and players coming in and out there wasn't enough time.

Love

"I love it here, the club wants to sign me and there won't be any problems on that front. I just want to concentrate on my performances and play well because it's not nice for the fans to have an ongoing thing. But I will be a Chelsea player for the rest of my career."

Cole opened the scoring in Sunday's 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth and he is well aware that he will need to continue to impress Scolari in order to remain in the Brazilian's plans.

"I am competing with other people in the squad and you want to play well," he added. "When you get the chance you have to produce and that's always the case at this club.

"When you join a big club you have to expect competition. I have always thrived on it. I have always been up against big players at the club, I love competing and learning from them.

"I know I have to step it up again. Football is a game that doesn't stay still. I performed well last season and the fans voted me player of the year, but that's all in the past now."