Mikel. “ I won’t leave Chelsea until I’m fired“ –

ohn Mikel Obi may not be having a regular playing time with the English club, Chelsea, but the Nigerian player said he's not ready to quit the club until he's fired by Jose Mourinho.

The Super Eagles midfielder had been Inter Milan's transfer target since he has been warming the bench at the Stamford Bridge.

Inter had stepped up their efforts to sign Mikel this summer in a deal worth in excess of £10million. As Standard Sport of UK revealed, Chelsea are planning a mass clear-out to raise funds for their closed-season transfer targets and Mikel is surplus to requirements.

Inter are keen to improve their squad after a disappointing campaign in Serie A and their president, Erick Thohir, was believed to be at Chelsea's victory over Paris St. Germain to discuss terms.

The Nigeria international has been at the club for eight years having been signed from Lyn Oslo during Jose Mourinho's first spell at Stamford Bridge.

But Mikel has fallen out of favour since the turn of the year, starting just two League games, and has not been in the starting line-up since the FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Manchester City in February.

The 26-year-old has three years left on his contract but the arrival of Nemanja Matic from Benfica for £25m in January has paved the way for his departure.

Dutch international, Marco van Ginkel is also now back to full fitness after a serious knee injury and the club are keen to sign a fast, dynamic midfielder to take Mikel's place.

Reacting to the transfer speculations on a local radio, Mikel said he's happy staying at Chelsea.

"When you stay in a place for a long time, you are used to the environment and the people. You always feel comfortable with the people around you. The people there are just like your family, so you will not like to go to anywhere.

"You will like to weather the storm with the people because of the love and care. The man who brought me here is back and until the club says 'thank you, your services are no longer required,' then I would have no option than to leave," he maintained.

Mikel's age and experience still speak for him. With over 308 appearances for the Blues and eight winners' medals including the Champions League — Chelsea will not sell on the cheap.

They were originally ordered to pay £16m (£4m to Lyn Oslo and £12m to Manchester United) in compensation in 2006 after United complained that they had an agreement to buy him first. Chelsea later opened legal proceedings against Lyn Oslo but the row was settled out of court.

kelly igho