Chelsea hero John Mikel Obi has announced his retirement from professional football after 20 years of playing career.
The 35-year-old spent 11 years as a Chelsea player from 2006 to 2017, and won numerous honours at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel won two league titles, three FA Cups, One League Cup, One UEFA Champions League and one Europa League title at Chelsea, he also won 2013 Nation cup with super eagles of Nigeria
The Blues legend would best be remembered for his stunning role in helping Chelsea win the Champions League in 2012.
He wrote an emotional statement on his social media page, ‘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.”
Mikel won 91 international caps for the Super Eagles of Nigeria before he retired from international football in 2018.
