10 years of faithful service has finally come to an end after long speculation, as John Obi Mikel has confirmed his Chelsea departure. Although everyone knew it was coming, fans couldn’t help be saddened by the confirmation of his exit.
The Nigerian midfielder made his move away from Stamford Bridge official on Friday, leaving England for China. The 29-year-old put signed for Tianjin TEDA, promising to help the club “grow both on and off the pitch”.
Having joined the Blues in 2006, he made 374 appearances for the London giants during their most successful, trophy-ladden spell. With Chelsea back to their best, Obi Mikel has found playing time difficult to come by.
OFFICIAL: John Obi Mikel leaves Chelsea, his home for 10 years, for Chinese club Tianjin TEDA.
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) January 6, 2017
Sad to see him go? pic.twitter.com/1DnmsFpvWG
Taking to social media to bid his farewell, he underlined a lack of playing time as the main reason for his decision to leave. Under new boss Antonio Conte, the midfielder hasn’t made a single start.
"As you will know, I haven't featured as much this season as I would have liked, and at 29 I still have many years in the game ahead of me. With this in mind, I feel now is the time to seek a new challenge,” the African Cup of Nations winner said.
Mikel was never going to leave Chelsea without paying tribute to his home of 10 years. The player took to Twitter to pen an emotional farewell to the club, its staff, and legion of supporters. Obi Mikel thanked Roman Abramovich, and highlighted their Champions League win in Munich as the most unforgettable memory.
"To Mr Abramovich, the club's staff, coaches, physios, and to the manager I played under Chelsea, I want to say thank you," Mikel added.
A letter to my Chelsea family. pic.twitter.com/FhcUyq3iaV
— Mikel John Obi (@mikel_john_obi) January 6, 2017
"But my biggest thanks must go to the Blues fans. You brought me into the Chelsea family, you sung my name, and were there with us every step of the way. Thanks to your support, on nights like in Munich, you made the impossible possible."
Fans also took to Twitter to bid farewell to the midfielder. Check out the best tweets below.
John Obi Mikel won us the Champions League. Don't ever forget that. pic.twitter.com/HtkQspW160
— #CarefreeDaily (@CarefreeDaily) January 6, 2017
John Obi Mikel at Chelsea:
— Chelsea Transfers (@CFCTransfers) January 6, 2017
Premier League -
FA Cup -
League Cup -
Europa League -
UCL -
10 years, 10 major trophies pic.twitter.com/Rxv7XN2H1m
John Obi Mikel at #CFC
— ️ (@ContehoIic) January 6, 2017
10 years
374 appearances
Premier League 2x
FA Cup 4x
League Cup 2x
CS 1x
Champions League x1
Europa League x1 pic.twitter.com/xzhqNwIlDv
John Obi Mikel might be one of the most underrated players in world football. Brilliant servant to #CFC and the #EPL. Good luck in China.
— Scott W. Nicholls (@scottnicholls) January 6, 2017
Say what you like about him but John Obi Mikel is a Chelsea legend.
— SimplyConte (@SimplyConte) January 6, 2017
Say what you want. Here through the good times and bad. A champions league winner a Chelsea legend. John Obi Mikel. #CFC #johnobimikel #cfc
— Dan Horner® (@ITZHORNER) January 6, 2017
It seems only yesterday that John Obi Mikel, a promising No. 10, finished second only to Lionel Messi at the 2005 World Youth Championships pic.twitter.com/01241IUqcQ
— Mohamed Moallim (@iammoallim) January 6, 2017
It's a sad day John Obi Mikel has left Chelsea
— Bry (@sambrison) January 6, 2017
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