Goal.com

The 29-year-old has insisted his future lies at the London club and he will battle to keep his spot in the side’s first-team despite their influx of new talent over the summer

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is determined to return to top form at Stamford Bridge next season.

The London club are reportedly open to offers for the Ghanian, who has been troubled by frequent injury problems, in an attempt to reduce their overall wage bill.

Essien is adamant, however, that he intends to stay with Chelsea and hopes to propel himself back into regular first-team contention.

"My intention is to stay and I'm looking forward to a new season," Essien told the Telegraph. "I still have two more years here. I'm still here, I'm still around.

"I feel now that I am coming back to what I used to be. It's been a long road but I am almost there."

Essien suffered a serious knee injury in 2008, and after quick recovery he endured a similar issue in July 2011. Despite this, he remained confident that he would eventually make a full return to Chelsea.

"It's always frustrating when you are injured and not playing but you have to work and stay positive," he continued. 
 
"I'm the sort of person who is very calm, I'm a very positive person. I just get on with what I have to do, what work I have to do. I've not changed and won't change my style.

"The injuries I have had are just part of the game and when they happen you just have to get yourself back. But I'm now available and will be there when the manager calls on me.

"I've not set myself any targets. I just pray to be injury-free I'm very calm. I don't talk much but put me on the pitch and I will do my best."  

Asked whether he was concerned with influx of new talent into Chelsea since he last played for the club, Essien insisted that he would only continue to focus on his own form.

"The team is changing and there have been players going, new players coming in but that's how professional football is, you just have to deal with the situation and go out and perform for the team," he added.

"I will play anywhere I am asked to play and it's always been that way with me. I work hard for the team, for Chelsea. I've played right-back and other positions and it's no problem."