The Ivory Coast international, who scored the only goal of the game in the Blues 1-0 win over Benfica, is out of contract at the end of the season and will be a free agent if he fails to agree new terms at Stamford Bridge.
Kalou is seeking assurances of more game time at Chelsea, and despite being given a starting role by interim manager Roberto Di Matteo in Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg in Portugal, the 26-year-old remained coy when asked about his future after the game.
‘I know my contract ends at the end of the season,’ he said.
‘For me the most important thing is not to fight for a new deal, it is just to enjoy myself with the team and play the best I can and help the team win the games we have left to play.
‘As long as I do that, I am fine and I am happy with myself.’
Manager Di Matteo hailed the performance of Kalou in the Estadio da Luz, and claims he never had any doubt about the former Feyenoord man’s ability.
‘I didn't think it was a gamble, but sometimes in life you have to take a little risk,’ said Di Matteo.
‘He's come into the team after a long spell out - he got the goal and had a great game.’
Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal have been credited with a strong interest in Kalou for a number of years. |
