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. 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. Key man: Ivanovic celebrates after scoring Chelsea's opening goal 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. 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. 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.' Ivanovic issued a timely reminder of his value with another solid defensive display topped by his fifth goal of the season. 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. The Serbia star joined for £9million from Lokomotiv Moscow three years ago and waited nine months for his debut. 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. '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.' 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. 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. 'We have our focus back,' said Ivanovic. 'We have changed our character. Everyone has been a bit angry about the things that have happened.'  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

Source: Daily_Mail