Andreas Christensen has insisted that he is “ready” to take his chance when it arrives after being offered assurances by Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri.
The Danish centre-back’s father revealed earlier in the season that his son would consider leaving Stamford Bridge in January if he continued to be overlooked for selection.
Christensen has played second fiddle to David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger since Sarri arrived last summer, starting just two Premier League games.
Those two starts have come in the past couple of months, however, and the 22-year-old has also featured heavily in all three cup competitions, which has persuaded him to stay and fight for his place.
“At the moment there’s two clear first choices, and then there’s me. I just have to show that I’m ready and take the chance when I get it,” he told Bold.dk. “There was a lot of talk [over a January move] but it was quickly made clear that the club still saw me as someone who would play.
“Of course that’s really nice to hear so I just have to keep proving my self. I think I’ve been good the last few times I’ve got the chance and then I can only hope that I’ll be selected more often. Obviously I had a lot of doubts. But once the club assured me I am needed, it really wasn’t that hard for me to accept.
“I’ve been in the club for many years and I still love being here. It’s solely because of the playing time that the transfer consideration started. But I’m looking forward and I’ve come to terms with the situation.”
Barcelona were reportedly tempted to make a move for Christensen last month, while Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also linked.