Bournemouth loanee Christian Atsu maintains 'dream' of playing for Chelsea

Christian Atsu remains hopeful of playing for Chelsea despite being sent on a third loan spell in as many years at newly promoted AFC Bournemouth. The 23-year-old made his second appearance of the season in the Capital One Cup win over Preston North End but has been restricted to run outs in English football's second-tier cup competition.

Atsu was released by the Premier League champions for the season-long loan spell at the Cherries having had spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Everton. The winger made 13 outings for the Goodison Park club, including his first start in the Premier League.

However, a year has gone by without Atsu making a second full appearance in the top flight and having not made a single appearance for Chelsea since joining the club in 2013, he is beginning to become frustrated by his lack of opportunities. Atsu was named the best player in the African Nations Cup, scoring the goal of the tournament against Guinea as Ghana reached the quarter-finals but he has not yet been properly recognised at club level.

"I'm settling in well at Bournemouth, everything is step-by-step but things are good with my life and my family," the Chelsea man told BBC Sport. "Everyone is fighting for position of course I'm not happy I'm not playing in the Premier League because I came here to play football. I have to work my way up to.

"It's a dream that I will play for Chelsea. But right now I have to focus on Bournemouth. If I don't play here, there is no way I will get a chance at Chelsea. Loan is very difficult, it is the most difficult thing. Moving and taking your family with you and that is not easy. But that is the life, that is the game and everything that happens you have to accept it."