Mikel Obi Reflects On His Dramatic Move To Chelsea

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has reflected on the drama that happened in the build-up to his controversial move to Chelsea.

Recall that Mikel Obi spent 11 years at Chelsea, during which he achieved remarkable success. The now 37-year-old footballer secured an array of prestigious titles, which included two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Champions League victory, and one UEFA Europa League triumph.

Mikel’s transfer to Stamford Bridge was characterized by a protracted and widely documented tussle between Chelsea and Manchester United, which resulted in a delay of approximately one year.

Fortunately, the issue was eventually resolved, culminating in the midfielder’s highly anticipated move to Chelsea in June 2006 for a transfer fee worth £16 million.

Reflecting on the transfer saga between the two Premier League sides, Mikel Obi said via his Obi One Podcast that he felt relieved when the drama ended.

“It was a massive relief. Obviously, it was going on for almost a year, I couldn’t play for any club because of the whole saga”, he said.

“But after that was settled, it was a massive relief for me and I joined the club that I really wanted to play for, which was Chelsea. And I just couldn’t wait to be unveiled as a Chelsea player, because it was taking such a long time to get settled.

“But after that was done, you know, I was happy to be here. Amazing career. Had won everything to be won. And my memory here is absolutely fantastic. I will never, never trade it for anything.”