Former Super Eagles Captain And Chelsea Legend, Mikel Obi Retires From Football.

Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend, John Obi Mikel, has officially retired from football at age 35. 

Mikel announced on Tuesday via his Instagram account that he will be retiring from the game after 20 years of professional career.

He 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 humanity 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.”

Mikel started his career in Jos Nigeria with Plateau United, before joining a Norwegian club, Lyn Oslo, at the age of 17 in 2004.

He went on to join Chelsea in a controversial transfer in 2006, having previously agreed to join Man United. He played for the Blues for 11 years, scoring six goals, 13 assists in 372 appearances across all competitions.

The two-time Chelsea young player of the year, won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, one UEFA Europa League, and the Champions League title during his time at Stamford Bridge.

He left Chelsea in January 2017 to sign for Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda.

Internationally, Mikel was also part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 African Nations Cup.