It was inevitable, yet still heartbreaking for the fans to see the Nigerian leave his home of 10 years.

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.

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. 

"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.

 

Wedstrijdgegevens, uitslag en oorspronkelijke uitzendinformatie

Chelsea 4 - 1 Peterborough United

januari 8, 2017 10:00Stamford Bridge

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