Mikel confirms Anzhi interest

24 February 2012 13:29

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has confirmed that he has received an offer from Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala.

Italian sources had claimed on Thursday that the cash-rich club were lining up a bid for the Nigeria international as they hope to make some last-minute purchases before the Russian transfer window shuts on Friday.

Mikel has been at Chelsea since 2006, when he arrived from Norwegian club FK Lyn.

He has been a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge this season, making 12 starting appearances since Andre Villas-Boas took over at the club in the off-season.

"It is true that I have been in contact with some Anzhi officials, who wanted to know if there was the possibility that I moved to Russia, but I have not yet given them an answer," Obi Mikel told MTN Football.

"I am a player of Chelsea and changing clubs is not something to be made lightly. I love Chelsea and I am taking the time I need to make a decision."

"My main goal is to play on a regular basis and that has not happened lately. I hope that after my latest injury, I will be able to play regularly again."

Mikel has made 37 appearances for Nigeria, for two goals.