Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has rubbished rumours linking him with a move back to England to play for Everton.

The 30-year-old moved to China in January this year to sign for Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda on a free transfer from Chelsea.




The Nigerian though has found life difficult in China, being plagued by injuries which limited his appearances to 13 in the league.

As a result Mikel has been linked with a move, with a return to the Premier League being touted and Everton supposedly leading the chase for his signature.
 


Mikel though insists that there is no truth to those reports and he is perfectly content in China playing for Tianjin Teda.  

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"I don't know where such a rumour came from, but this story is untrue", Mikel told his side's official channel.

"I want to stay in the Chinese Super League and play for Teda.

"I'm sure there will be lots of speculation about me as the transfer window nears but this is a false rumour."

The former Nigerian international also took time to heap praise on the level on offer in China, which he believes will stand him in good stead for selection in the national team.

"Playing in the CSL will help me maintain my status for the World Cup.

"The standard of the CSL is quite high. Before people might have thought it was slow, but now it's very quick. I have no doubt playing in this league will help me stay in shape.

"Of course, there is still a gap between the CSL and the English Premier League but the CSL is improving. To play more games will be good and I hope I don't get injured."