Utaka has been left frustrated by talk he is looking to get away from Fratton Park, just a year after his high-profile £7m arrival from Rennes.

Now, the 26-year-old wants to set the record straight.

Rumours of a move to Lille coincided with Utaka failing to start a game as the transfer deadline approached.

But the gifted African has spoken of his desire to prove himself in the Premier League after his first campaign in England.

And he has stated his ambition to help Pompey build on the outstanding achievements of last season.

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Utaka also insisted Blues fans have not seen the best of him yet – but that is about to change.

A blazing start to his career on these shores made way for more inconsistent showings as last season wore on.

Supporters have seen enough of his mercurial talent, however, to know he possesses undoubted ability.

By his own admission, the player feels he has not shown that quality enough so far.

But after a period of settling in, he feels he is now re-ady to show what he is all about.

And throwing in the towel couldn't be further from his mind.

'The stuff about me leaving was all lies,' said Utaka.

'I've had people asking me about it and I've had to tell them it was not true.

'I've come here to improve my game. I've come here to get better and better.

'There is no such idea of me going back to France.

'I've been asked about it and it's a lot of rubbish.

'None of it is true.

'I wasn't happy when I heard the talk, because it wasn't true.

'I felt like someone was gossiping behind my back.

'Anyway, I have cleared it up now. I am here now and will be here.
'I need to make sure I step up my game.

'I will show a good John Utaka this season.

'I think everything will be fine and I will show what I can do.'

A debut campaign at Pompey saw Utaka rack up 35 appearances for his side.

Great things were expected of the man from Enugu in Nigeria, and those expectations were heightened further after a man-of-the-match display on his debut at Derby.

A role in the 1-1 home draw with Manchester United followed before Utaka lit up Fratton Park with one of the goals of the season in the win over Bolton.

The manner in which he danced half the length of the pitch, through the visiting defence, electrified the home crowd, and spoke of great things to come.

But it was a moment of individual brilliance he never quite reached again for the rest of the campaign, al-though there were other great days like his goal in the 4-1 win at Newcastle.

However, Utaka insists catching the eye with those stirring performances is not his motivation.

'For me it's not about the individual. It's about the team,' he said.
'The most important thing is to win as a team.

'If I was thinking about myself I would go and play against Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.

'Then you know you are playing for yourself. But football is a group game.

'We win together and we face our difficulties together.

'For me it's about the group.'

Utaka has no doubt he is coming into one of the most difficult and gruelling periods of his professional career.

He has yet to start a game under Harry Redknapp this season, and there have been recruitments in the attacking and wide areas he can fill.

There are doubts, too, about how he would be suited to filling a role in the wing-back formation his manager made a switch to so successfully at Everton.

But Utaka, a committed Christian, is not looking at those factors as reason to become downbeat.

The affable speedster stated he is not arrogant enough to expect to feature in Redknapp's side every week.

He is fully aware of the task that lies in wait, but has a unwavering belief in his ability, which is motivating him to face the challenge head on.

He was blown away with his team's achievements of last season and playing a major role in the glory of the campaign.

A record-breaking domestic campaign and FA Cup victory will never be forgotten by the fans – and the player is no different.

Utaka is not prepared to bathe in afterglow of those achievements, though.

He wants to continue to break new ground – and play a major role in that success.

'It's all about competition,' Utaka said.

'I've played in big games and I've played in big competitions here.
'So it's not just about playing all the time.

'It's not about competing against my team-mates either.

'But when it comes to a challenge, you have to stand and face whatever comes.

'I have to say "this is me and this is how I am".

'For me, I will never look back.

'Last season we had all this success. It was brilliant and everyone was happy.

'I want even more success to follow.

'For me, it's all about winning now.

'I have to grab as many chances as I can and be as successful as I can.
'Every-body wants to be successful.

'That is the most basic thing.

'So I want to be as successful as anyone else.'

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