Chelsea

John Obi Mikel 'frustrated' by lack of communication from Antonio Conte

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 13 November 2016

John Obi Mikel says that he has been left in limbo at Chelsea due to a lack of communication, which he admits has left him feeling 'frustrated'.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has claimed that he has been left in the dark by Antonio Conte after being overlooked for first-team duty this term.

The 29-year-old returned late to pre-season training after opting to take part in the Olympics with Nigeria, which his national team boss believes is why he is being shunned by the Blues.

Long-serving Mikel recently suggested that he was willing to remain at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place, but a January exit now appears to be on the cards after revealing the full extent of his frustrations.

"[Conte] has said nothing. I only train and just keep being a professional," he told The Sun. "This is all I can do. It's frustrating but this is football.

"There was no communication [in the summer]. The club didn't tell me to leave or give me the green light to go - and then the transfer window ended.

"I only have one year left on my contract. But I don't want to leave just like that. I have been here for 11 years now. It's good to leave when you finish your contract and you know your business is done."

Mikel, who won bronze for Nigeria in Rio de Janeiro, is Chelsea's second-longest serving player behind John Terry after spending the last decade in West London.