Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi announces retirement

Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, September 27.

Mikel, played a key role in Chelsea’s squad as they lift their first Champions League trophy in 2012.

The Nigerian midfielder joined Chelsea at the age of 19 and went on to lift different trophies including two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Europa League, among others during his 372 appearances for the Blues.

In a lengthy message via his Instagram page, Mikel wrote:

“There is a saying that ‘all good things must come to an end’, and for my professional football career, that day is today.

“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, teammates 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.”