Former Tremendous Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed why he left Chelsea FC in 2017.
Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 after a switch battle involving Manchester United FC. Throughout his 11 years on the membership, he received a number of main trophies and made 372 appearances.
The previous Nigerian midfielder left Chelsea in January 2017 after reaching a mutual settlement with the membership.
Talking on the Vibe with 5 podcast, Mikel mentioned former Chelsea supervisor Antonio Conte performed a significant position in his exit.
In accordance with Mikel, issues modified after Conte arrived at Chelsea in 2016. The membership had additionally signed N’Golo Kanté from Leicester Metropolis, growing competitors in midfield.
Mikel and fellow Nigerian participant Victor Moses had been later invited to signify Nigeria on the 2016 Olympic Video games in Brazil. Nonetheless, the match clashed with Chelsea’s pre-season preparations.
Mikel mentioned Conte warned him that he wouldn’t play for Chelsea once more if he determined to go for the Olympics.
“Conte instructed me that if I went to the Olympics, my time at Chelsea could be over,” Mikel mentioned.
Regardless of the warning, Mikel selected to signify Nigeria on the Olympics, the place he captained the staff to a bronze medal.
After getting back from the match, Mikel mentioned he was moved to coach with the reserve staff and spent months coaching alone.
He added that Conte later requested him to return to the primary staff when Chelsea’s performances dropped, however he had already determined to depart the membership.
Mikel additionally revealed that former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba suggested him to maneuver on and begin a brand new chapter in his profession.
After leaving Chelsea, Mikel performed for golf equipment together with Middlesbrough FC, Trabzonspor and Stoke Metropolis FC earlier than retiring from soccer in 2022.
