Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has pledged his
future to the club by signing a new five-year deal to keep him at
Stamford Bridge until 2014.
The 22-year-old, who moved to west London from Norwegian
side Lyn Oslo in 2006, impressed in the holding role in the Blues
midfield last term during the long-term injury absence of Michael
Essien..
The Nigerian told the club's official website: "It was easy to
commit to because I am happy here and when the opportunity came it
was good to sign after speaking to the club."
Mikel already feels he will have an important role to play under
new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
He added: "My future with the new manager will be bright, and I
think we have a good working relationship already.
"All the managers I have played for here have their own type of
systems they want us to play, and whoever comes in will want to
change little bits and pieces.
"There is not much to change but they all bring in different
views, and the new manager wants us to play in a certain formation
which we need to get used to before the season starts."
Mikel, who started the 2-0 friendly win over Inter Milan in
America as he looks to build-up to full fitness, is confident he
will thrive in the 4-4-2 diamond formation Ancelotti has favoured
so far.
He added: "It has been hard work getting back to fitness but we
all want to be sharp for the start of the season. Training is hard
work but we have to do it.
"The new formation doesn't make too much difference to me in
defensive midfield, but perhaps it is a little harder as I have to
cover more ground for the team, but I feel I am up to the task and
I am sure I can do it."
teamtalk.