Source: Daily_Mail
Branislav Ivanovic vows to stay at Chelsea
Branislav Ivanovic insists he has no desire to leave Chelsea and is hopeful of signing a contract extension soon. [LNB]The defender has emerged as a key player at Stamford Bridge this season with muscular performances in defence and strong opinions in the dressing room. [LNB] Key man: Ivanovic celebrates after scoring Chelsea's opening goal [LNB]His contract expires next year and talks over a new deal have dragged on for months amid reports of interest from AC Milan and Juventus. [LNB]But the 26-year-old, who helped set up Saturday's 2-0 victory over Blackburn with his 57th-minute opener, assured supporters they are nearing a conclusion. [LNB]Enlarge 'I want to stay and I hope it will be sorted out soon,' said Ivanovic. 'We are talking about my new contract but we will see in the next couple of weeks. I don't want to say anything wrong. I hope things are going the right way. This is all I can say.' [LNB]Ivanovic issued a timely reminder of his value with another solid defensive display topped by his fifth goal of the season. [LNB]He also made the second for Nicolas Anelka. Chelsea's performance was not vintage but, after losing at Wolves, the result came as a huge relief for Carlo Ancelotti, the manager who Ivanovic credits with saving his career. [LNB]The Serbia star joined for £9million from Lokomotiv Moscow three years ago and waited nine months for his debut. [LNB]Despite achieving cult status with two goals against Liverpool in the Champions League in 2009, he did not truly establish himself in the team until last season.[LNB] 'Carlo has been fantastic,' said Ivanovic, who prefers to play at centre half. 'He changed my career and I will always be grateful. I hope he will be here for a long time.' [LNB]Ancelotti's contract also runs out next year and Chelsea's chances of satisfying Ivanovic are improved if the manager survives this rotten patch of form. [LNB]Owner Roman Abramovich has kept faith in the Italian and the Premier League champions believe they are back on track after home wins against Ipswich and Blackburn.[LNB] 'We have our focus back,' said Ivanovic. 'We have changed our character. Everyone has been a bit angry about the things that have happened.'[LNB] Chelsea 2 Blackburn 0: Ancelotti is pleased... at least for the momentGoal-shy Drogba is almost back to his best, says Blues boss Ancelotti Chelsea's Pienaar bid accepted but Everton say no to Spurs' midfielder bidCHELSEA FC
