Former Super Eagles skipper Mikel retires from football after 20 years in the game

FORMER Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi and Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi has announced his retirement from professional football saying that it is now time to move on to other things.

Mikel, who enjoyed a hugely successful career both at the club and international levels took to his official Instagram account to reveal his decision to retire today, Tuesday, September 27, 2022. He said: “There is a saying that all good things must come to an end and for my professional football career, that day is today.

“I look back at the past 20 years of my career and I must say that I am very satisfied with all that I was able to achieve and more importantly the human it has helped shape. All of this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, managers, clubs, coaches, teammates and most importantly my ever-loyal fans.

"You supported me through my highs and lows, even on days that I did not live up to your expectations. I say a big thank you. I will also like to encourage everyone who I may have inspired one way or the other in the course of my career to never give up on their dreams, for every time you think about quitting, remind yourself why you started.

“This is not goodbye, it’s the start of another journey, another chapter of my life. I look forward to what the future holds and I hope you will walk with me. Thank you.”

Mikel, 35, enjoyed enormous success during his 11-year stint at Chelsea, making 372 appearances and winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the 2007 League Cup and the 2013 Europa League. He was also part of the Chelsea team that won the Champions League trophy for the first time in 2012.

On the international stage, Mikel also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 with Nigeria. He captained the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup in Russia after helping Nigeria to reach the second round of the 2014 tournament.