By RYAN TOLMICH

Although Chelsea have generally coasted through the competition both domestically and in Europe, Andre Schurrle has not been a key member of the action, once again fueling talks of an exit for the German international.

However, Schurrle insists that he just laughs off any talk of a Stamford Bridge departure off, as the midfielder it happy to remain in London.

“Of course I can just laugh all the talk of leaving off,” Schurrle said. “I am not going to change club in the transfer window. I am happy where I am, I am happy in London. I love the city, I love the fans. We have a great team and want to win something this season. This is where I belong and where I want to help. I know what the manager wants for me and that he likes about me.

Schurrle also pointed to Chelsea’s depth and versatility, which has relegated him to a substitute role, as a reason that the team believes they can go toe-to-toe with the best in Europe.

“We can rotate and make changes and we still have so much quality on the pitch,” he added.  “We have a big squad – that’s what we need for our goals. We don’t fear anybody. If we play our best we can beat everyone.”

Here are some more news and notes to kickoff your Thursday morning:

BUFFON DENIES LEGEND TALKS

There are few goalkeepers in the sport that have had as an illustrious career as Gianluigi Buffon, but the Juventus goalkeeper isn’t quick to call himself a “legend”.

The 2006 World Cup winner refuses to use the word to describe himself, as he wants to be seen more as a living, breathing athlete rather than a mystical player.

“No, no, legends seem to have something that isn’t very human and I don’t like them. I am an athlete with soul, with heart, for the good and for the bad, that’s for others to judge,” Buffon said. “I consider myself a footballer who marked a part of the history of the sport in Italy, in Europe and in the world, but you turn into a legend when you die. I hope that’s in the very distant future!”

Buffon, veteran of nearly two decades, also reflected on his career, as he has embraced all of the lessons learned that have made him the goalkeeper that he is today.

“It’s been a beautiful journey,” said the Italian international. “I have changed very much. At first I was a boy with all the virtues and the shortcomings of boys. Now I am an adult, I’m more mature and reflexive, and I hope not to make certain errors.

“Aside from all that, my characteristics as a goalkeeper have changed. I have improved in many things through hard work and experience, and perhaps I am a bit more of a defensive goalkeeper, because when you’re a lad you have those physical superpowers and that exuberance that dwindles away over time.”

NASRI PRAISES MAN CITY ‘MIRACLE’

Away to Roma with their Champions League hopes relying on a pair of results, Manchester City were far from certain of advancing to the tournaments knockout stages.

However, that is exactly what the club did with a victory over Roma paired with a Bayern Munich victory over CSKA Moscow in what midfielder Samir Nasri called “a miracle“.

“It feels great. It was the target at the start of the night, and we knew if we were patient we would win the game,” Nasri said. “We are happy, because it was a miracle after four games when we had two points.

“It is always the same with City — we like to do it the hard way, and we did it again.”

QUICK KICKS

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez is hoping to rejoin the team for the start of the Club World Cup on Dec. 20 despite suffering a calf strain last week. (REPORT)

Inter Milan’s Nemanja Vidic isn’t going anywhere according to his agent, despite reports linking the centerback with a return to Manchester United. (REPORT)

Manchester City centerback Vincent Kompany is looking to return to action this weekend against Leicester. (REPORT)

Barcelona have increased the buyout clause for Munir El Haddadi up to $43 million. (REPORT)

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What moves do you see Chelsea making in the upcoming transfer window? How do you view Buffon’s career? How will Man City fare in the upcoming knockout stage?

Share your thoughts below.