Sturridge set on Chelsea return

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge is enjoying his time on loan at Bolton, but is looking forward to returning to Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old has scored four goals from five English Premier League games since making the temporary move to the Reebok Stadium at the end of January, but has his heart set on carving a place of his own in Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded line-up.

Despite many Bolton fans perhaps hoping the front man would make the move a permanent one, Sturridge insists his future lies in London.

“I’m looking forward to going back at the end of the season, to rekindling friendships, to being a Chelsea player again,” Sturridge told The Independent.

“I’m contracted to Chelsea for another three years and I want to see that contract out. Obviously you can never say never in football, but Chelsea is still where my heart is.”

Sturridge believes his time at Bolton has been an invaluable learning experience, and paid tribute to manager Owen Coyle. He also revealed striker Kevin Davies had become something of a mentor to him.

“I liked the manager who’s a really nice guy and a fantastic man manager. He keeps everyone happy, the morale here is amazing. It’s easy to join a team like this. No one ever seems to be upset about anything,” Sturridge said.

“Since coming here I’ve learnt a lot from Kevin Davies. I’ve never seen a player win so many headers, and playing with him has taught me to put myself about a bit more, maybe toughen up a bit.”

“I think he brings out the best in me, and we get on really well, which helps. In any (training) situation, if there are pairs then it’s always me and Kevin. And I can talk to him about anything.”

Although Chelsea acquired Spanish star Fernando Torres from Liverpool in January, Sturridge does not see the striker’s arrival as a hurdle to his return home.

“I’m happy he’s joined – the club needs to progress, and he makes the squad stronger than it was before,” he said.

“I hope Didier (Drogba) stays too. He’s a great footballer, and I respect him so much, as a man off the field, not just as a player.”

“But I believe I’m good enough to start at Chelsea regularly, and when I get the chance I’ll prove to everyone that I should be a regular.”

“At Chelsea I’m among world-class strikers, so if I’m picked to start I’ll be deemed a world-class striker as well. When (Lionel) Messi came in at Barcelona they had (Samuel) Eto’o, Ronaldinho, Ludovic Giuly.”

“I’m not saying that’s going to be me, but you can prove yourself against these guys, and I don’t know how good I can be.”