OFFICIAL: Mikel announces retirement
Mikel lifted every major honour, which included two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Europa League, FA Cup,
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel John Obi has announced his retirement from professional football.
Mikel who recently hosted a talent hunt programme in Nigeria announced his retirement on his official Instagram page on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old alluded to the fact everything that has a beginning will also have an end and for him, the end to his blistering football career is today.
Seen as one of Nigeria’s most decorated football stars ever having won various silverware for both club and country, Mikel is thankful to those that contributed to his success.
The midfield general also apologised to those he let down one way or the other.
At Chelsea Football club where he spent the better part of his career, Mikel helped the Blues to their first Champions League trophy in 2012.
In fact, the midfielder lifted every major honour, which included two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Europa League, FA Cup, and Carling Cup among others..
Mikel’s Full statement on his retirement:
There is a saying that “all good things must come to an end”, and for my professional football career, that day is today,’ the post reads.
‘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, team-mates 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.’
