Branislav Ivanovic has set his sights on making 100 appearances for Chelsea.
Defender hoping to make 100 appearances for Blues
Branislav Ivanovic has set his sights on making 100 appearances for Chelsea after establishing himself as a key figure in the side.
It was initially a struggle for the Serbian defender following his switch to Stamford Bridge from Lokomotiv Moscow two years ago.
He was linked with a move away from the Blues in the summer of 2008 before he had made even a single appearance, but has gradually played a more significant role over the past 18 months.
Ivanovic has been particularly prominent under Carlo Ancelotti and has been a virtual ever-present in the starting XI since right-back Jose Bosingwa suffered an injury earlier in the campaign.
The versatile 25-year-old's performances have even led to reports of interest from Real Madrid but he maintains that he is happy at Chelsea after playing his 50th game for the club in the win over Sunderland.
"For me the long period in the last two years was when I arrived here and there were problems," he told Chelsea's
official website.
Comfortable
"After that I started to play and at the moment I feel very comfortable and happy.
"When I started to play I was very happy because I play with great players in a great team and now I start to give my best.
"I didn't count my games but of course it is good for me to play 50.
"I tried to improve in these games and that I have played 50 games surprised me a little bit.
"Now I try to come to 100 games as soon as possible, quicker than to 50."
Ivanovic, though, is not taking anything for granted and intends to keep striving for improvement.
"I think I improved my language when I started to play," said Ivanovic, who can also play at centre-half.
"It was very hard for me when I arrived and I didn't speak easily. At the moment I think I can speak and I understand a lot of things, but I have to learn more.
"It is important for every player to feel comfortable.
"We have a good atmosphere and you can improve with these guys."
