John Obi Mikel hints at Chelsea exit

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has hinted that he could seek fresh pastures when his contract expires at the end of the campaign. The Nigerian international is not in the plans of Antonio Conte this season.

The Nigerian international looks set to end his long-term association with the Blues next summer after the club's hierarchy confirmed that there will be no fresh offer put on the table.

Mikel, who helped his country win the bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, has insisted that he is relaxed with his current position, and could ink a pre-contract with a club overseas in the New Year.

"I've been here for a long, long time. I've spent 11 years of my life in this football club, it is my home. This season is the last at the club if my contract ends. I am quite relaxed about it, the future looks good." he told Goal.com

The midfielder earned a regular run under interim boss Guus Hiddink in the second half of last term, but with the appointment of Conte this summer, he has struggled to break into the first-team.

Mikel has racked over 350 appearances for Chelsea since linking up from Norwegian outfit Lyn in controversial circumstances in 2006.