Mikel signs new Blues deal

Chelsea FC’s Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge till 2014.

The 22-year-old Mikel agreed the deal Wednesday, one day after teammate Florent Malouda also signed a new contract.

Mikel said: “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, who was signed by Chelsea in 2006 from Lyn Oslo after a transfer controversy involving rivals Manchester United, expects the team will have a bright future under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

He said: “I think we have a good working relationship already.”