Mikel backs Blues for Euro glory

Chelsea have won every domestic title since Roman Abramovich injected his billions into the club - but European glory has been their holy grail. The Blues were beaten by Manchester United on penalties in last year's final, a memory which acts as a fierce motivating factor within the Chelsea squad.

"It has been a long time since the Champions League final," said Nigeria international Mikel. "We all felt really bad after the game and we know what we lost - but this season we have a very good chance of winning it."

In a summer of extraordinary transfer fees, the arrival of Deco from Barcelona for just £8million is already beginning to look like an astute piece of business.

The Portuguese, who has won the European Cup with Porto and Barcelona, settled in immediately at Stamford Bridge and Mikel believes his arrival could make the vital difference.

"I think he brings a lot to the team. Everyone can see the way he plays, I think he gives us a lot of options in the middle when we play," said Mikel.

"He always wants to express himself, be on the ball and when you have players like that in the middle with you, you will have more options.

"The manager wants us to pass the ball around, and I think Deco is a brilliant player. He gives us a lot."