Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes Antonio Conte is punishing him for his decision to play at the Olympics with Nigeria.
The 29-year-old has not made an appearance this season, having been frozen out of the first team since his return from Rio de Janeiro, where he claimed a bronze medal.
Nigeria s technical adviser Gernot Rohr claimed that Conte has deliberately kept Mikel out of his plans as a result of his decision to forgo their pre-season plans in favour of playing at the Olympics.
Mikel is adamant he would not trade that experience for a chance to get back into the Chelsea side, but he feels that such a stance has made him something of a pariah to his manager.
I have never been a guy who makes excuses in life and never shy away from responsibilities, the former Lyn man, who scored in Nigeria s 3-1 World Cup qualifying win over Algeria on Saturday, told The Sun.
Yes, maybe people will say the new manager was upset I left and went to the Olympics, that I didn t have a pre-season with the team. He probably thinks I don t care about the team, things like that.
But I don t want to use those excuses. I have to keep training hard and make sure I change the manager s mind. If not, then we ll see what happens in January.
But, no, I would never swap my Olympic medal for a place back in the Chelsea team. One thing you have to do in life as a man is that when you make a decision, or a sacrifice, you have to deal with it.
I have not one single regret in going to the Olympics. And I will not trade my medal for anything.
Mikel says there was no encouragement from Chelsea for him to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge during the transfer window.
However, after 10 years at the club – during which he has claimed 11 trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League – Mikel admits he could move on in January.
There was no communication. The club didn t tell me to leave or give me the green light to go – and then the transfer window ended, he said.
I only have one year left on my contract. But I don t want to leave just like that. It s good to leave when you finish your contract and you know your business is done.
I have been part of the best years of this club. Chelsea had never won the Champions League before me. I played in the 2012 final and was man of the match. I ve written my name in the history book of this football club.
I ve done it all but, as a player, I m still hungry for more. I still want to help the club but, if it should end, then okay.
