Chelsea stalwart to make difficult decision on future in January as exit looms

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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed that he will make a decision on his future in January with his contract with the Blues expiring next summer.

The 29-year-old has been a loyal servant for the Blues having joined the club in 2006, but has yet to feature under Antonio Conte this season.

With the likes of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic ahead of him in the pecking order, his chances of first-team football look slim and his situation looks bleak given that his current deal comes to an end next summer.

“We will wait and see what happens in January,” he told ESPN FC. “For the first time in my career, this is happening to me and I have to stand up and deal with it. It is what it is but I’m training hard every day and I always wish the team the best and I am happy we are doing well.”

Mikel’s agent had a more frustrated opinion on the matter, as he insisted that his client’s lack of playing time is down to his decision to play for Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics which in turn led to him returning late to Stamford Bridge.

It’s a questionable theory as Conte is likely to pick players that he believes will give his side the best chance of winning, and particularly after the switch to the 3-4-3 system, it’s debatable as to whether Mikel would have a positive impact on the team’s performance.

Having spent a decade at the club, it will be an emotional summer for Mikel if he is forced to consider his options elsewhere but he’ll have to take the best decision for his career.

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