Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has ruled out a return to the Premier League amid rumours that he could be set to join Everton.
The Nigerian spent almost 11 years at Stamford Bridge before he left to link up with Chinese outfit Tianjin Teda during the January transfer window.
Mikel is only 30-years of age and still arguably has the ability to compete at the highest level.
He is however earning hefty sums of money playing in China and seems to be content with his situation at the moment.
Mikel rubbished reports that he could leave Tianjin and said: “I don’t know from where such a rumour could come, but this story is untrue.
“I want to stay in the CSL and play for [Tianjin] Teda. I’m sure there will be lots of speculation about me as the transfer window nears but it is a false rumour.
“The CSL lags behind the Premier League, but their level is still quite high. I believe more matches will help me get in shape for the 2018 World Cup.
“I just hope to stay injury free next year and have an amazing season with Teda.”
