Branislav Ivanovic is hopeful of signing a new contract at Chelsea before the end of the season and insists he has put his bad start to the campaign behind him.
Ivanovic, 31, will be a free agent next summer and is yet to agree an extension at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea remaining committed to their policy of only offering one-year deals to players aged 30 and above.
But despite the fact that he will be able to hold talks with other clubs from Jan. 1, Ivanovic is confident that his future lies at Stamford Bridge and hopes his recent upturn in form will smooth contract discussions.
"Honestly, I am so happy [at Chelsea]," he told reporters. "I am trying to do my best. I know I didn't start the season well, but I am back. I hope the result will be good for the team. In that case, I will be good as well. I hope and I think we will have time to speak about my future."
Chelsea produced one of their most convincing performances of the season in the 2-0 win over Porto on Wednesday to book their place in the Champions League knockout stage, as well as ease the pressure on manager Jose Mourinho after a nightmare start to the club's Premier League title defence.
Ivanovic believes the Blues were worthy winners against Porto and hopes the result will prove a turning point.
"I think it was a very important game for us -- I think honestly the most important game this season so far," he said. "We came into the game very strong with a clear idea and were prepared for them playing with five at the back.
"I think the most important thing in the first half was to score the goal and make the pressure go away. Then we have the confidence to play well. I think we deserved to go through."
Chelsea's improved defence will be put to the test by surprise Premier League leaders Leicester City on Monday.
Claudio Ranieri's men boast two of the division's top three goalscorers in Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, and Ivanovic joked that he and his teammates might have to kick former Fleetwood Town striker Vardy to shackle him at the King Power Stadium.
"If this helps, yes! Some of the strikers don't like [it] when you kick [them]," the Serb said. "You kill their confidence. Vardy at the moment is running a lot and is making the space for other players as well. They are confident. I think it will be very hard."