Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has recounted the transfer tussle between two EPL clubs, Manchester United and Chelsea to sign him from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo.
Recall that Mikel signed a contract to join United from Lyn Oslo in April 2005, but the transfer was never completed because he claimed he was bullied into signing the deal and preferred to play for Chelsea.
Roman Abramovich, the Russian oligarch who owned Chelsea at the time, then consented to provide Manchester United with a £12 million compensation package to make the transfer possible.
Mikel recalled on his podcast that when the matter was settled, it was a massive relief for him because the issue lasted for almost a year and he couldn’t play for any club.
READ ALSO: Kelechi Iheanacho shares emotional farewell message to Leicester City fans
“It was a massive relief. It was going on for almost a year, I couldn’t play for any club because of the whole saga,” he told the obionepodcast.
“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 to be won. And my memory here is absolutely fantastic. I will never, never trade it for anything.”
