Ba determined to fight for Chelsea place

The Senegal international was heavily linked with a loan move in the summer, but is adamant he will compete with Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres for game time

Demba Ba insists he is prepared to fight for his place at Chelsea after remaining at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a loan move away in the transfer window, with former club Newcastle and Arsenal interested in securing his services.

Arsenal saw a loan move fall through at the last minute, though, leaving Ba, who only joined Chelsea in January, in limbo.

The competition for places has increased this season after 32-year-old Samuel Eto'o joined on a free transfer, giving manager Jose Mourinho multiple options, including Spaniard Fernando Torres.

And while Romelu Lukaku remains on loan – the Belgian is at Everton this season – Ba is likely to find it tougher to get game time for Chelsea this season.

Despite that, he is remaining positive.

"I told the manager if I stayed I would keep fighting for the club," he said. "Now it's about the next months and years with Chelsea.

"I'm a good professional and always work hard. I will keep doing the same.

"I want to play. It all depends on me and the performance I put in on the pitch. If I don't perform, it will be only my fault.
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