Gary Cahill has told Chelsea he wants to leave and is hopeful of moving when the January transfer window opens.
Cahill, who has not played a single minute this season, holds no grudges against new manager Maurizio Sarri who has led the side to five consecutive Premier League wins.
Their sixth straight victory came against Greek side PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday, though the England defender was once again forced to watch from the sidelines.
Gary Cahill has told Chelsea he wants to leave and is hopeful of moving in the January window
The 32-year-old believes it is a timing issue, given he reported back from the World Cup only a week before the Premier League season kicked off.
Yet the continued exile – and success of the team in his absence – has left Cahill feeling like he has little choice than to leave in the New Year.
‘A lot of things have been running through my head,’ Cahill said. ‘For me to do this all season is going to be very difficult. I’m not a guy who is willing to accept not playing.
‘It’s all about playing. Your career’s short enough as it is. I’ve got maximum respect for everybody here at the club, the fans and the players.
‘But sometimes you have to make tough decisions to keep your career going forward.’
Cahill, who has not played a single minute this season, holds no grudges against Maurizio Sarri
Asked whether he will have to leave in January, Cahill admitted: ‘I don’t want to jump the gun, but as things stand, probably yes.
‘Whatever my future holds, the relationship I have with the club and fans will have been a huge part of my footballing life.
‘I realise that sometimes you have to make tough decisions. I realise sometimes football doesn’t wait for people. You have to make those decisions to keep progressing.
‘I fully expected to miss the start of the season and we’ve not lost, so there are no arguments. When you’re winning games you have to sit tight, suck it up and deal with it.’
Cahill’s contract expires at the end of the season and it remains to be seen what Chelsea’s valuation will be. Should no buyers come forward, given his age and the fact he would be available for nothing in the summer, Cahill could ask to be allowed to leave for free.
Everton, Newcastle and Watford would all be contenders for his signature. Frank Lampard’s Derby County are another option, though his £100,000-per-week wages could pose a problem.