OFFICIAL: Ex-Nigerian star John Obi Mikel Joins Stoke City On A Free Transfer.

Stoke City have on Monday, confirmed the signing of Ex-Nigerian international John Mikel Obi on a free transfer.

The former Super Eagles captain signed a one-year contract with the Potters, as he becomes the clubs fourth signing of the summer ahead of the 2020/21 championship season. 

He joins fellow new teammates Morgan Fox, James Chester and Steven Fletcher at the bet365 staduim in preparation for the new season.

This will be Mikel's second spell in the Championship, having previously played for Middlesbrough in the second half of the 2018-19 season.

Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill speaking following the completion of the transfer disclosed his conversation with Mikel who wants to end his playing career in England.

"We’re delighted to bring John to the Club. His playing career speaks for itself and underlines his calibre as a player.

"I was really impressed with him when we met for the first time and he outlined what he wants from the next phase of his career."

“We spent four hours talking and he made it clear he wants to get back into the Premier League and finish his career there and hopefully he can do that with Stoke City.”

CloudNine Sports had reported in March, that the 33-year-old ended his two-year contract with Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor by mutual consent after expressing his concerns over playing matches amid the coronavirus pandemic.

🗣️ "If I can bring that experience and winning mentality here, then I will be happy."

👊 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗢𝗕𝗜 𝗠𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗟#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/XlFoqT5SB0

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) August 17, 2020

Mikel began his football career for Nigeria top-flight club Plateau United, a place he was born, before moving to join European club Lyn in Norway.

In September 2006, he moved to join Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in a controversial transfer having initially agreeing a deal with Manchester United.

He spent 11-year at Stamford Bridge, making more than 370 appearances and helping the Blues to win the Premier League title twice, as well as three FA Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.

Mikel departed for China to join Tianjin Teda in 2017 and returned to English football to join Middlesbrough on a short-term contract in January 2019, playing 19 matches.

He made 91 caps for the Super Eagles and scored six goals before his retirement in July 2019, winning the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) with the team in South Africa 2013, and also clinching three AFCON bronze medals in 2006, 2010 and 2019.