No new contract for Mikel, says Conte

After ten years at the Stamford Bridge, Super Eagles team captain, John Obi Mikel, has been told to look somewhere else for his club career.

Mikel, 29, a former Lyn Oslo starlet has been on the books of the London team since 2006.But Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte confirmed yesterday that the holding midfielder has not yet been offered a new deal.

“In every squad, there are players who arrive at the end of their contract and then together the club will take a decision,” Conte told reporters yesterday afternoon. “The most important thing is that Mikel is working very well. I am pleased with his work rate.”

Signs that Mikel might be declared surplus to requirement at the Stamford Bridge appeared on the wall long ago, as he was not considered good enough for a single appearance for the club since September despite being fit.

According to www.Allnigeriasoccer.com, some clubs based in France, Turkey, Italy, United States and China are monitoring the situation of Mikel and will swoop for him if he leaves Chelsea.

Mikel had said recently that he is making plans for life after final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.The Nigerian, who has made more than 350 appearances in all competitions since joining Chelsea from Lyn Oslo in June 2006, told Goal he will talk to interested clubs in January if he is not offered an extension.

Mikel is the club’s longest-serving player behind John Terry and has won every major club trophy at Stamford Bridge.Under interim manager Guus Hiddink last season, Mikel a regular starter at Chelsea, regaining a level of prominence before falling back down the pecking order following the arrivals of coach Antonio Conte.