The Nigerian and Chelsea Legend opted for the Chinese Super League after over a decade with the Blues, prompting great praise from fans on social media
John Obi Mikel has ended speculation about his future after signing with Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA from Chelsea.
The Nigeria captain had looked certain to move to Valencia, with the club’s director Garcia Pitarch holding a meeting with him on Christmas Day. But a change of heart means Mikel will continue his professional career in Asia.
The midfielder’s list of titles won during an almost 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge could easily put him in the ‘experienced veteran’ category, despite being only 29 years old, and Blues fans have been quick about praising the club hero.
John Obi Mikel at Chelsea:
10 Years
374 Apps
2 Premier League
4 FA Cup
2 League Cup
1 Charity Sheild
1 UCL
1 Europa League— Aamir Khan (@aamirrkhann10) January 6, 2017
Say what you like about him but John Obi Mikel is a Chelsea legend.
— SimplyConte (@SimplyConte) January 6, 2017
John Obi Mikel.
Mikel John Obi.
Obi John Mikel.Colossal for a decade of unprecedented success. £16mil to Man U was worth it 10 times over
— Jamie (@NineJamie) January 5, 2017
John Obi Mikel won every major club honour in his over 10 years of service. What a Man! #CFC pic.twitter.com/MwNKRzNVyS
— SonOfChelsea (@SonOfChelsea) January 6, 2017
Mikel: 374 appearances for 8 Chelsea managers (only 14 men have played more). He leaves as a legend, and all will wish him further success.
— Dan Levene (@danlevene) January 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/cfcgazz/status/817287641326559232
https://twitter.com/AfricaFactsZone/status/817278873763250176
We wish our captain, @mikel_john_obi the very best as he moves to Chinese super liga club Tianjin TEDA. Continue to make us proud, skippo. pic.twitter.com/yQjh2cbxNX
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 6, 2017
One thing I will never forget about @mikel_john_obi is him insisting on playing despite knowing that his father had been kidnapped. Hero.
— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) January 6, 2017
Will never forget John Obi Mikel playing even when he was told his father had been kidnapped. Unsung hero of our club.
— Uber Chelsea FC ⭐️⭐️ (@UberCheIseaFC) January 6, 2017
Some fans feel Mikel is to thank for their only Champions League title.
John Obi Mikel won us the Champions League. Don’t ever forget that. pic.twitter.com/HtkQspW160
All the best to john obi mikel…
Wow, this tribute is really touching, we are so proud of you Mikel, even though I still think going to China now is too early for him, he could have stayed a little longer in europe.